World Cup 2026: Pepe Brace Vs Curacao Sends Côte d’Ivoire Into knockout Rounds For The First Time

Nicolas Pepe bagged a brace as Côte d’Ivoire beat Curaçao 2-0 in their final group match and book their place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.

It is a historic result for the Elephants as they had never before managed to get past the first round of a World Cup.

Emerse Fae’s men finished second behind Germany and will now face either France or Norway in the round of 32.

Ecuador also progressed into the knockout stage, after edging out Germany 2-1 which saw them clinch one of the best third placed teams.

The Ivorians took just seven minutes to break the deadlock as a lapse in concentration from the Caribbean back line opened the way for YannDiomandé, who squared it for Pepe to slot home.

Curaçao’s response was not long in coming, with Tahith Chong testing Fofana for the first time, and the goalkeeper was equal to it.

At the other end, Côte d’Ivoire came close to doubling their lead several times through Amad Diallo, who first missed narrowly and was then denied by a crucial intervention from the opposition defence.

As the minutes passed, Advocaat’s men grew in confidence and threatened through efforts from Gaari, Chong and Bacuna, but they could not find an equaliser.

In the 64th minute Pepe got his second goal, finishing off Sangaré’s brilliant through ball.