Ivory Coast Beat Curacao 2-0 to Reach World Cup Knockouts for First Time

Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 on Friday in the final round of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, sealing a historic first-ever place in the knockout round. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals, striking in the 7th minute with a close-range finish and again in the 65th with a superb curling effort to the far corner.

The win ended a long World Cup frustration for the Ivorians, who had missed the last two tournaments and were eliminated in the group stage in their previous three appearances. It also marked a breakthrough for coach Emerse Faé’s team, as they finally achieved what the country’s golden generation, including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, had never managed at the global finals.

For Pépé, the match was especially meaningful, 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, but his brace delivered the result Ivory Coast needed.

Curacao, coached by Dick Advocaat, also made history in its first-ever tournament appearance. The Caribbean side finished bottom of the group, but still left with pride after proving it belonged on football’s biggest stage.