World Cup: Nicolas Pepe Double Sends Ivory Coast to Knockout Stage, Curacao Eliminated

The final matches of Group E in the 2026 World Cup took place today. Nicolas Pepe scored twice to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever advancement to the knockout stage. This result also concluded the World Cup campaign for Curacao.

Pepe, currently playing for La Liga club Villarreal, opened the scoring in the 7th minute at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. He added his second goal in the 64th minute.

Following a 1-0 win over Ecuador and a 1-2 loss to Germany, Ivory Coast finished Group E with 6 points. In the other group match held in New Jersey, Germany fell to Ecuador 1-2. Ivory Coast advanced as the group runner-up.

Having failed to progress past the group stage in their three previous appearances, Ivory Coast will compete in the Round of 32 on the 30th. Their opponent will be the runner-up of Group I, either France or Norway.

For Curacao, a nation of approximately 160,000, qualifying for the World Cup was a historic milestone. They finished at the bottom of the group. Under manager Dick Advocaat, the team notably earned a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in their second match. Today's match drew an attendance of 68,324, underscoring the growing popularity of the tournament in the United States.