Ivory Coast advance as Pepe scores twice to send Curacao home

Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Cote d'Ivoire reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Curacao in their final Group E match on Thursday.

Jeremy Antonisse (C) of Curacao competes during the group E match between Curacao and Cote d'Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Villarreal winger Pepe gave Cote d'Ivoire an early lead in the seventh minute, tapping in from close range after Yan Diomande won possession and squared the ball to him.

Pepe doubled the lead in the 64th minute, taking Ibrahim Sangare's driven pass in stride before curling a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Curacao pushed forward after falling behind but struggled to create clear chances, as Cote d'Ivoire held on to secure the victory.

The result sent Cote d'Ivoire into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after group-stage exits in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Cote d'Ivoire opened its World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Germany. Curacao, making its World Cup debut, finished the group stage with one point after a goalless draw against Ecuador following a 7-1 loss to Germany.

Cote d'Ivoire finished second in Group E and will face either Norway or France in the round of 32 in Dallas on Tuesday.