By Francis Onyach - Reporter
U.S June 26, 2026 - Nicolas Pépé rolled back the years with a match-winning performance as Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to secure a historic place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The former Arsenal winger scored both goals in Philadelphia, guiding Les Éléphants into the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.
The victory ensured Ivory Coast finished second in Group E behind Germany, while bringing an end to Curaçao's memorable debut World Cup campaign. It also marked another milestone for head coach Emerse Faé, whose side continues to build on the momentum generated by winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast entered their final Group E fixture knowing that avoiding defeat would likely be enough to reach the knockout rounds. Rather than settling for a cautious performance, they produced an assured display against tournament debutants Curaçao.
The Elephants wasted little time taking control of the contest.
Just seven minutes into the match, Curaçao's defence gifted possession to 19-year-old winger Yan Diomandé, who reacted quickest to a misplaced pass before delivering a precise cut-back into the penalty area. Pépé arrived perfectly to slot home from close range, giving Ivory Coast the early breakthrough.
The goal immediately shifted the pressure onto Curaçao, who needed a victory to stand any chance of progressing.
Despite conceding early, Curaçao refused to be overwhelmed.
The Caribbean nation enjoyed several encouraging spells of possession and created opportunities to level the score. Veteran midfielder Leandro Bacuna and defender Sherel Floranus both tested the Ivorian defence, while goalkeeper Yahia Fofana remained alert whenever called upon.
Although Curaçao showed determination throughout the match, they lacked the clinical finishing required to trouble a well-organised Ivory Coast side.
Their tournament ends with valuable experience after becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup finals tournament. Despite exiting in the group stage, they earned widespread praise for their spirited performances against far more experienced opponents.
As Curaçao pushed further forward searching for an equaliser, spaces began to open behind their defence.
In the 64th minute, Ibrahim Sangaré threaded an excellent through ball into Pépé's path. The Villarreal forward calmly advanced into the penalty area before finishing confidently beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace and effectively end the contest.
It was a timely reminder of the quality that once made Pépé one of Europe's most sought-after attacking players.
Pépé's performance carries added significance considering his recent international journey.
The 31-year-old had fallen out of favour with the national team, missing Ivory Coast's victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign and several subsequent international fixtures. However, impressive club form with Villarreal and injuries to other attacking players earned him a recall ahead of the World Cup.
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His response could hardly have been more emphatic.
Not only did he score his first competitive international goals since 2024, but he also delivered the performance that secured one of the greatest achievements in Ivory Coast's World Cup history.
Speaking after the match, coach Emerse Faé praised Pépé's professionalism and commitment, highlighting how the experienced winger had embraced his opportunity after returning to the squad.
Before this tournament, Ivory Coast had participated in three previous FIFA World Cups, in 2006, 2010 and 2014, but had never advanced beyond the group stage.
That record has now changed.
Twenty years after being part of Ivory Coast's first-ever World Cup squad as a player, Emerse Faé has become the coach who guided the nation into the knockout rounds for the first time.
Following the victory, Faé described the achievement as a proud moment for Ivorian football while urging supporters to continue believing in the team's potential as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
Ivory Coast's route to qualification showcased both resilience and consistency.
Matchday 1: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
Matchday 2: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast
Matchday 3: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast
The six points collected were enough to secure second place in Group E behind Germany and book a place in the Round of 32.
With qualification secured, Ivory Coast now prepare for the biggest knockout match in their World Cup history.
Their Round of 32 opponents will be either France or Norway, depending on the final standings in Group I. Regardless of the opponent, the Elephants will enter the fixture full of confidence after producing one of their most complete performances of the tournament.