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By Open Chronicle with agencies
Côte d’Ivoire made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Curaçao 2,0 in Philadelphia, securing second place in Group E and advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time.
The Elephants delivered a composed and efficient performance, with Nicolas Pépé emerging as the match winner by scoring both goals. The victory capped a memorable group stage campaign and ensured the African side progressed on merit after collecting six points.
Knowing that victory would guarantee qualification regardless of other results, Côte d’Ivoire wasted little time asserting control. After an early warning from Bonny and a dangerous response from Curaçao through Tahith Chong, defensive pressure proved decisive. Yan Diomandé forced an error from defender Daryl Janmaat Brenet near the penalty area, recovered possession, and squared the ball to Nicolas Pépé, who calmly finished from close range in the seventh minute.
The early breakthrough gave Côte d’Ivoire confidence as it continued to threaten. Habib Diallo came close to doubling the advantage with a long-range effort before missing another excellent opportunity from Yan Diomandé’s cross.
Despite trailing, Curaçao refused to surrender. Sherel Floranus, Leandro Bacuna, and Cuco Martina helped the Caribbean side create several promising attacks, with Bacuna producing their best opportunity of the opening half, although his effort drifted narrowly wide.
After the interval, Curaçao raised the intensity considerably. The side coached by Dick Advocaat controlled possession for extended periods and pinned Côte d’Ivoire deep inside its own half. Floranus came close to equalizing as the African defense struggled to regain its rhythm.
Just as Curaçao appeared to be gaining momentum, Côte d’Ivoire struck decisively.
In the 64th minute, Ibrahim Sangaré delivered an outstanding through ball behind the defense, finding Pépé in space. The Villarreal forward produced a composed curling finish beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room to complete his brace and effectively secure both the victory and qualification.
The Elephants nearly added further goals during the closing stages. An unfortunate deflection almost resulted in an own goal before Elye Wahi was denied by an excellent save from Room. At the opposite end, Noa Lang Noslin attempted an ambitious long-range effort that forced Yahia Fofana into action, but Curaçao could not find a breakthrough.
While Côte d’Ivoire celebrated its historic qualification, Ecuador’s surprise victory over Germany also reshaped Group E, allowing the South Americans to advance among the best third-placed teams.
Côte d’Ivoire now advances to the Round of 32, where it will face either France or Norway, while Curaçao ends its first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign with one point. Although eliminated, the Caribbean nation leaves the tournament having earned praise for its competitive performances and promising future.
Nicolas Pépé’s clinical finishing and ability to deliver in decisive moments made him the undisputed player of the match, writing his name into Ivorian football history as the hero of a landmark World Cup victory.