World Cup 2026: Nicolas Pepe double sends Ivory Coast into knockout stages for first time

Nicolas Pepe rolled back the years with a brilliant brace as Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history. The victory secured second place in Group E for Emerse Fae’s side and ended the fairytale run of World Cup debutants Curaçao.

The Elephants needed only a point to guarantee progression, but Pepe ensured they claimed all three in Philadelphia, setting up a Round of 32 clash against either France or Norway.

Ivory Coast made the perfect start after just seven minutes. A costly defensive mix-up between Jurien Gaari and Joshua Brenet allowed teenage sensation Yan Diomande to pounce, and the RB Leipzig winger delivered a precise cross for Pépé to sweep home from close range.

Curacao responded admirably and enjoyed promising spells of possession. Diomandé continued to torment the Caribbean side, with another dangerous delivery narrowly evading Amad Diallo, while Leandro Bacuna dragged an effort wide before the interval.

The second half began at a frantic pace. Franck Kessie saw a deflected effort drift inches wide, and Sherel Floranus nearly equalised with a powerful strike that flew just over Yahia Fofana’s crossbar.

However, the decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute.

Ibrahim Sangare produced an inch-perfect pass into the penalty area, and Pepe did the rest. The Villarreal forward took one touch before curling a magnificent finish beyond Eloy Room to complete his brace and send the Ivorian supporters into celebration.

Tahith Chong attempted to inspire a comeback for Curacao, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Fofana, while Bazoumana Touré nearly added a late third before Armando Obispo intervened with a desperate clearance.

Pepe makes history As Diomande continues to shine

At 31 years and 27 days old, Pepe became only the second African player over the age of 30 to score a World Cup brace, following the legendary Roger Milla, who managed the feat twice for Cameroon in 1990. He also joined Didier Drogba as the only Ivorians aged over 30 to score at the World Cup.

The experienced forward’s first goal was created by a player at the opposite end of his international journey.

Yan Diomande, still a teenager, became the first African teenager to register a World Cup assist since Cameroon duo Rigobert Song and Marc-Vivien Foé accomplished the feat in 1994. Remarkably, he is also the only player this century to create more than ten chances and complete more than ten dribbles across his first three World Cup appearances.

Curacao exit with heads held high

For Dick Advocaat’s side, the dream ended in disappointment.

Knowing that victory could have secured a historic place among the best third-placed teams, Curaçao instead departed without a win from their maiden World Cup campaign. Yet their performances throughout the tournament earned widespread admiration.

The statistics reflected Ivory Coast’s superiority in key moments. The Elephants generated 1.3 expected goals (xG) from just seven attempts, while Curaçao managed 0.47 xG from 11 shots, only two of which tested Fofana.

For Ivory Coast, however, this was a historic night.

After years of near-misses featuring generations led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, the Elephants have finally broken new ground on football’s biggest stage and will now prepare for their first-ever World Cup knockout match.