Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Côte d’Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0 in Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a result that sent the Elephants into the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history. The match was played at Philadelphia Stadium on Thursday 25 June, with Pepe finding the net in the 7th and 64th minutes to end Curaçao’s tournament on a disappointing note.
The victory also confirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s group-stage outcome: they qualified as Group E runners-up and will face the runners-up from Group I in Dallas on 30 June.
How Pepe’s two goals decided Curaçao v Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire made four changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Germany, and one of those changes proved decisive. Villarreal attacker Pepe opened the scoring early after Yan Diomande sparked the move.
The first goal arrived in the seventh minute when Diomande collected a loose ball on the edge of the Curaçao penalty area and delivered a low cut-back into the box. Pepe, arriving from close range, tapped in to put the Elephants ahead. The strike was notable beyond the scoreline: FIFA’s match report highlighted it as the fastest goal Côte d’Ivoire have scored in their World Cup history.
With the early lead secured, Côte d’Ivoire established control of the match. The report noted they played at a noticeably slower pace than in previous games, but the advantage allowed them to manage proceedings while limiting Curaçao’s opportunities.
Curaçao did create moments of threat, with Tahith Chong and captain Leandro Bacuna involved in the clearest openings. Late in the first half, Chong hit a powerful effort that flew just over the goal. Soon after, Bacuna beat two defenders on the edge of the area but pulled his shot wide of the near post.
Pepe’s second goal arrived in the 64th minute to effectively seal the contest. The forward finished with his left foot after a simple give-and-go with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare left him alone in the box against goalkeeper Eloy Room. The 2-0 scoreline held to the final whistle, confirming a comfortable win for the Elephants.
Pepe’s performance was recognised with the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
What the result means for both teams
For Curaçao, the defeat marked the end of their FIFA World Cup™ debut. The match report noted that their maiden voyage ended in Philadelphia, while also stating it would live long in the memory of the Blue Wave faithful.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the significance was immediate and historic. The Elephants progressed from Group E as runners-up, finishing on six points from three matches (two wins, one loss), with four goals scored and two conceded. Germany topped the group on six points, Ecuador finished third on four, and Curaçao ended fourth on one point.
Reaction and next game after Group E qualification
Pepe described the moment as “a source of pride and joy” after Côte d’Ivoire secured their place in the knockout stage. He credited his teammates for both goals, pointing to Diomande’s role in setting up the opener and Sangare’s pass for the second, while stressing the importance of taking the tournament “one game at a time.”
Head coach Emerse Fae also emphasised pride in the achievement and the team’s focus on what comes next, noting their satisfaction at finishing second in the group and looking ahead to the next match.
Côte d’Ivoire’s reward is a Round of 32 meeting with the runners-up from Group I in Dallas on 30 June, as they aim to extend a World Cup run that has already become a landmark in the nation’s tournament history.