Ivory Coast Beats Curaçao 2-0 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time

Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2-0 on Friday in the final round of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, clinching a historic first-ever place in the knockout rounds. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals for the Elephants, giving them an early lead with a close-range finish in the 7th minute, then sealing the victory with a fine curling effort to the far corner in the 65th minute.

The result marked a major breakthrough for a team long seen as one of Africa’s most talented but one that had failed to turn that promise into World Cup success. Ivory Coast had missed the last two tournaments and had been eliminated in the group stage in its previous three World Cup appearances. Under coach Emerse Faé, the team finally completed the task that previous generations, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, could not.

For Pépé, the match was especially significant, as these were his first goals for the national team in two years. He had not even been included in the squad for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. His brace not only delivered the win, but also sent Ivory Coast through to the round of 16 in the sport’s biggest tournament.

Curaçao, coached by Dick Advocaat, also made history in its World Cup debut. The Caribbean side finished last in the group, but still left with some pride after showing it belonged on the world stage. The article says the team set several records during the tournament.