Ivory Coast advances to World Cup knockout stage with victory over Curacao

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 10:05 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Ivory Coast advances to World Cup knockout stage with victory over Curacao
Summary

Nicolas Pepe scored two goals as Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 on June 25 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. This victory secured Ivory Coast's place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time after finishing with six points in Group E, following a 1-0 victory over Ecuador and a loss to Germany. Curacao, competing in their first World Cup, ends their tournament run without a win while Ivory Coast prepares for a last-32 match against either France or Norway in Dallas next Tuesday. The match featured a strong attendance of 68,324 fans, reflecting the event's impact in the United States.

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By the Numbers
  • Pepe opens scoring in the 7th minute
  • Ivory Coast finishes second in Group E
  • Curacao concludes World Cup without a victory
  • Match attended by 68,324 fans
  • Ivory Coast faces France or Norway next Tuesday
Latest Updates
  • 10:20 PMThe Guardian SportPépé at the double as Côte d’Ivoire beat Curaçao and claim place in last 32
  • 10:05 PMYahoo SportsPepe steers Ivory Coast into World Cup last 32 as Curacao go home
What they're saying
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Côte d’Ivoire surviving the World Cup group stage for the first time, in the year of our football gods 2026, is one of those tidbits that sounds like it shouldn’t be true, and yet here we are. An underwhelming 2-0 victory, courtesy of Nicolas Pépé’s double, put the Ivorians through to the last 32 as group runners-up. But it was an imprecise contest here in Philadelphia, the cradle of American democracy – such as it is. All the same, a spirited Curaçao leave their first World Cup. Continue reading...

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Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever and bring the tiny Caribbean country's run at the tournament to an end.Ivory Coast finish with six points in Group E with this victory following their opening 1-0 win over Ecuador and a 2-1 loss to Germany.

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