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Ivory Coast have become the third African nation to book a place in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao in their final Group E match on Thursday.
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Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé starred in a brace, scoring in the seventh and 64th minute, to secure a historic qualification for the Elephants, who reached the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Ivorians only needed a draw to advance, but wasted little time in taking control.
Yan Diomande gained possession high up the pitch before setting up Pépé for the first goal in the seventh minute. The experienced forward sealed the victory in the second half with a precise left foot after being assisted by Ibrahim Sangaré.
With this result, Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points, achieving two World Cup victories in a single tournament for the first time.
Coach Emerse Faé praised his team’s achievement after the final whistle.
“Enjoy this historic qualification and celebrate it. Once we’re done celebrating, keep sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament,” Faé said.
He also praised the unity within his team, describing it as a major factor behind their impressive World Cup campaign.
Qualification ends years of frustration for the West Africans, who failed to advance beyond the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014, despite having a golden generation led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.
Fresh from the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast has continued its upward trajectory under Faé and now awaits a round of 32 clash against either France or Norway on June 30 in Arlington, Texas.
Meanwhile, Curacao was eliminated from the tournament with one point from three games.
Despite the elimination, the tournament debutants earned widespread praise for their spirited performances, including a historic draw against Ecuador.
With Morocco, South Africa and now Ivory Coast safe, Africa’s representation in the knockout phase continues to grow, while several other African nations remain in the fight for qualification.
