Nicolas Pepe scored twice to send Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history with a composed 2-0 victory over Curacao on Thursday, sealing second place in Group E and ending the Caribbean side’s remarkable tournament debut.
The victory ensured Ivory Coast advanced beyond the group stage after falling short in each of its previous World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2014. The African nation will now face the runner-up from Group I, either France or Norway, in the round of 32 on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
Curacao, meanwhile, became the eighth team eliminated from the tournament. Although their World Cup journey ended in the group phase, the Caribbean nation exceeded many expectations simply by qualifying for the expanded finals, becoming the smallest country ever to reach the tournament.
Pepe emerged as the unlikely hero after entering the competition under considerable pressure. The veteran forward had failed to score during five World Cup qualifying appearances and was left out of coach Emerse Fae’s most recent Africa Cup of Nations squad. On Thursday, however, he rediscovered his finishing touch with two clinical strikes, his first competitive international goals since October 2024.
Ivory Coast dominated much of the contest but needed patience before breaking through.
The opening goal arrived following another impressive moment from 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, whose energetic display repeatedly unsettled the Curacao defense. The teenager quickly reacted to a misplaced pass while Curacao attempted to build from the back, intercepting possession before driving toward the byline.
Spotting Pepe arriving inside the penalty area, Diomande cut the ball back across goal. Pepe met the pass first time, driving a powerful low finish through goalkeeper Eloy Room from close range to give Ivory Coast a deserved lead.
With temperatures climbing into the mid-80s Fahrenheit under bright sunshine, the pace of the match slowed after halftime. Ivory Coast, however, remained the more dangerous side and doubled its advantage midway through the second half.
Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare produced a perfectly weighted through ball that split Curacao’s back line and released Pepe into space. The forward calmly guided a curling finish inside the left post from around 10 meters, leaving Room with no chance and effectively ending Curacao’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
Despite the scoreline, Curacao created several promising opportunities and competed with determination throughout the match.
Their best chance of the opening half came shortly before the interval when captain Leandro Bacuna weaved through three Ivory Coast defenders before dragging his shot narrowly wide of the near post.
After the restart, defender Sherel Floranus also threatened, finding space outside the penalty area before sending his effort just over the crossbar.
The defeat marked what could prove to be the final World Cup appearance for veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who at 78 years old became one of the oldest managers to lead a team at the tournament. The experienced tactician has now guided three different nations at the World Cup during his lengthy coaching career.
Ivory Coast suffered one concern despite the victory when tournament leading scorer Amad Diallo was substituted at halftime. Team officials did not immediately clarify whether the Manchester United winger had been withdrawn because of an injury or as a precaution after the Ivorians established control of the match.
Emerse Fae’s side nevertheless completed the job comfortably, combining disciplined defending with efficient finishing to secure qualification.
Having repeatedly fallen short during the so-called golden generation led by Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho, Ivory Coast has finally reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
With confidence growing after a composed group-stage campaign, the Elephants will now attempt to extend their historic run when they face one of Group I’s leading contenders next week.
