Nicolas Pepe Stars as Ivory Coast Reach Knockout Stage

Nicolas Pepe starred with a brilliant brace as Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The Elephants bounced back from their defeat to Germany with a composed performance, while Curaçao's historic World Cup debut came to an end.

Head coach Emerse Faé made four changes to the starting lineup, and one of those decisions paid immediate dividends. Villarreal forward Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring early after Yan Diomande won possession near the penalty area and delivered a low cross that Pepe calmly converted from close range, marking Ivory Coast's fastest-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

Ivory Coast controlled possession throughout the contest, although Curaçao threatened on occasion through Tahith Chong and captain Leandro Bacuna. Chong fired narrowly over the bar before halftime, while Bacuna's individual effort drifted wide after beating two defenders.

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Pepe completed his double in the second half after a superb one-two with Ibrahim Sangare, finishing confidently past goalkeeper Eloy Room to secure the victory.

The result confirmed Ivory Coast as Group E runners-up. They will now face the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32 in Dallas on June 30, while Curaçao bow out after a memorable first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign.

Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) was named Player of the Match after scoring both goals in a clinical display. His intelligent movement, composure in front of goal, and decisive finishing proved the difference as the Elephants secured their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.

Nicolas Pépé takes the honours as your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. 👑

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/6D0AmfcWzr

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2026

After the match, Nicolas Pepe dedicated his performance to the team and supporters.
"It's a source of pride and joy. We've qualified for the knockout stage, and that's something the people of Ivory Coast can be proud of. My two goals were made possible by the team's work—Yan Diomande created the first, Ibrahim Sangare set up the second. It's an individual honor, but above all, it's a team achievement. We'll take it one game at a time and try to go as far as possible."