Nicolas Pépé double sends Côte d’Ivoire into World Cup last 32
Côte d’Ivoire finally achieved a milestone that had eluded some of the greatest players in the nation's football history, defeating Curaçao 2-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
A clinical second-half performance, highlighted by Nicolas Pépé's brace, ensured the Elephants finished second in Group E with six points and secured a long-awaited place in the Round of 32.
For a nation that endured repeated heartbreak in previous World Cup appearances, the victory marked the end of a frustrating chapter and the beginning of a new era.
Pépé leads the charge
The Elephants wasted little time asserting control. After just seven minutes, rising star Yan Diomandé pressured Curaçao's defence into a costly mistake before squaring the ball for Nicolas Pépé, who calmly finished from close range to give Côte d’Ivoire an early advantage.
The second goal arrived midway through the second half. Pépé once again proved decisive, collecting possession inside the penalty area before curling a composed left-footed finish into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The brace not only secured qualification but also underlined the forward's importance after returning to the national team following a difficult spell that saw him omitted from Côte d’Ivoire's Africa Cup of Nations squad earlier in the year.
Curaçao exit with pride
Although eliminated, Curaçao once again demonstrated why they earned widespread admiration during their tournament debut. The Caribbean nation played with courage throughout the contest and created several dangerous opportunities, particularly before halftime.
Their best chance came when Juninho Bacuna burst through the Côte d’Ivoire defence but narrowly missed the target after finding space inside the penalty area.
Despite finishing bottom of the group with one point, Curaçao leave the tournament having earned their first-ever FIFA World Cup point and competing admirably against more experienced opponents.
Ending two decades of frustration
Côte d’Ivoire's qualification carries enormous historical significance. Since making their World Cup debut in 2006, the Elephants had repeatedly fallen short despite producing some of Africa's finest footballers.
The celebrated generation featuring Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré and Kolo Touré never progressed beyond the group stage despite coming painfully close on several occasions.
The most heartbreaking moment arrived in 2014 when a stoppage-time defeat to Greece denied them a place in the knockout rounds. This latest success finally erases that painful record and rewards a new generation determined to create its own legacy.
Emerse Faé's winning culture continues
Head coach Emerse Faé once again demonstrated why he has transformed Côte d’Ivoire into one of Africa's most resilient teams. Following the remarkable Africa Cup of Nations triumph, the coach has continued building a united squad capable of delivering under pressure.
Faé praised the team's togetherness after the match, highlighting the healthy competition within the squad and the collective mentality that has become the foundation of their recent success.
The Elephants now head into the knockout rounds carrying confidence, momentum and growing belief.
Tough test awaits in Round of 32
Côte d’Ivoire will next face the runners-up from Group I, with either France or Norway waiting in the Round of 32. Having finally broken through the group-stage barrier, the African champions will believe they are capable of extending their historic World Cup journey even further.
For a team that has already rewritten its own history, the knockout rounds present another opportunity to continue inspiring a new generation of Ivorian football supporters.
SportsLigue
