Pepe’s goal has sent Ivory Coast to the first strike as Curacao exits the World Cup | World Cup 2026

The West Africans will face second-placed France and Norway in Group I on Tuesday in Texas.

Two goals from Nicolas Pepe sealed Ivory Coast’s first trip to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Curacao.

Pepe’s uncharacteristic performance in the Group E competition helped Ivory Coast finish second with six points and eliminate their rivals in Curacao on Thursday afternoon. Les Elephants finished third in their group in their three previous World Cup appearances from 2006-14.

The West Africans will face second-placed France and Norway in Group I on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Curacao became the eighth team to be eliminated from the tournament, a disaster that came later than many expected after becoming the youngest country to host a World Cup final last November.

The Blue Wave had a chance in this game, perhaps the last one managed by 78-year-old Dutchman Dick Advocaat, who is in charge of his third World Cup team.

Amad Diallo, Ivory Coast’s top scorer at the tournament, left at the last minute, although it is unclear whether the injury played a role.

After failing to feature in five World Cup qualifiers and being left out of Emerse Fae’s recent African Cup of Nations squad, Pepe was not exactly known for playing hero.

But he managed both goals in his first World Championship since Oct. 11, 2024.

The first came in the seventh minute, through the latest game from 19-year-old Yan Diomande of the game.

This time, Diomande faced a challenge from Curacao when he tried to play in the back and saw Pepe coming near the post.

Diomande returned the ball from the line, and Pepe finished the first low through the goal Eloy Room from 6 yards.

With sunshine and temperatures hovering in the mid-80s, the game seemed to drag on before Pepe completed the African nation’s second minute in the 64th.

Ibrahim Sangare saw Pepe’s run into the box with a perfect, line-splitting ball and Pepe curled a 12-yard finish beyond Room and inside the left post.

Although it was a deserved victory for the Ivory Coast, Curacao had their moments. In the 44th minute, Leandro Bacuna cut through three defenders on the left side of the penalty area but sent his effort wide of the post.

Ten minutes later, Sherel Floranus found space beyond the 18 but shot just wide of Yahia Fofana’s right.