– Ivory Coast Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for the First Time as Nicolas Pepe Inspires Victory Over Curacao –

Ivory Coast have reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curacao to secure second place in Group E.

The Elephants made a dream start when Pepe opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Teenage sensation Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive mistake before squaring the ball for the former Arsenal winger, who calmly finished from close range.

Pepe sealed the victory in the 65th minute with a superb left-footed strike that curled into the top corner beyond Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room, ensuring Ivory Coast claimed their second win of the tournament and booked their place in the Round of 32.

The historic qualification marks a major milestone for the West African nation, who had previously exited at the group stage in each of their three World Cup appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014. It is also the first time Ivory Coast have recorded two victories in a single World Cup tournament.

Curacao, the smallest nation by population to compete at a men’s FIFA World Cup, once again impressed despite their elimination. Their best opportunity came just before half-time when Juninho Bacuna broke into the penalty area but fired narrowly wide.

Although Curacao finished bottom of Group E with one point from three matches, they leave the tournament with plenty of pride after earning their first-ever World Cup point against Ecuador and competing strongly against more experienced opponents.

The achievement also ends years of World Cup heartbreak for Ivory Coast, whose celebrated golden generation featuring Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure never managed to progress beyond the group stage despite multiple appearances.

Head coach Emerse Fae hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for Ivorian football after guiding the country into the knockout rounds for the first time, two decades after being part of the nation’s first World Cup squad in Germany in 2006.

Ivory Coast will now face the runners-up of Group I—either France or Norway—in Arlington, Texas, on June 30, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

Teams Confirmed in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 So Far

Following the latest round of matches, the following nations have secured qualification for the knockout stage:

• Mexico
• United States
• Germany
• Argentina
• France
• Norway
• Colombia
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Brazil
• Morocco
• South Africa
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ivory Coast
• Ecuador
• Netherlands
• Japan
• Sweden

With the final group-stage fixtures still to be played, the remaining knockout places will be decided over the coming days before the Round of 32 begins.

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