Ivory Coast reaches World Cup 2026 knockout stage for first time

Ivory Coast defeated Burkina Faso 2–0 to secure its first-ever qualification for the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nicolá Pepe scored both goals, the first after a defensive error in the seventh minute and the second from a precise cross by Ibrahim Sangaré.

Coach Emmerson Fahey, who was part of the Ivory Coast delegation at the 2006 tournament, hailed the victory as a historic moment for Ivorian football and urged fans to continue supporting the team. The win placed Ivory Coast second in their group, advancing them to the round of 32 where they are expected to meet a strong European side, likely France or Norway.