Ivory Coast reaches World Cup 2026 round of 16 after 2-0 win over Curaçao

Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2‑0 in the final group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing second place in Group E and a place in the round of 16. Both goals were scored by forward Nicolas Pépé, who struck in the 7th minute and again in the 19th minute. The match was played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The Ivorian side will meet the runner‑up of Group I, Norway, in the next knockout round. After the final whistle, players from both teams gathered in a circle on the pitch and prayed together, emphasizing a shared faith despite the competition.

The result also marked Curaçao’s historic debut in a World Cup, although the Caribbean nation was eliminated after the loss.