Ivory Coast Defeats Curacao 2-0 and Advances While Eliminating Record-Smallest World Cup Team

Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 on June 25 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match in Philadelphia. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals, in the seventh minute and the 64th minute. Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points and advanced to the round of 16.

Curacao finished last in the group and was eliminated. The result marked Ivory Coast's first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage across four tournament appearances from 2006 to 2026. Pepe's first goal came after Yan Diomande collected a loose ball following a Curacao turnover and passed to him at the near post.

Ibrahim Sangare provided the assist for the second goal with a through-ball that split the defense. Amad Diallo started for Ivory Coast but was substituted at halftime. Ivory Coast will face the second-place team from Group I, either France or Norway, on June 30 in Arlington, Texas.

Curacao was the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a World Cup finals tournament. Leandro Bacuna had a shot from inside the penalty area in the 44th minute that went wide. Sherel Floranus had a shot from outside the penalty area after halftime that went over the crossbar.

Dick Advocaat, aged 78, managed Curacao. thehindu.com reported that coach Emerse Fae stated any prior issues with Nicolas Pepe had been resolved and that the team was happy to have him available. thehindu.com also reported that Fae stated Ivory Coast should celebrate the qualification and then focus on advancing further.

Winnipegfreepress.com reported that Pepe stated Ivory Coast has no limits and possesses huge potential. thehindu.com reported that Advocaat stated Curacao created opportunities but that the quality gap with Ivory Coast was significant.