Philadelphia, June 25 -- Ivory Coast made history with a 2-0 victory over Curacao in their final Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, June 25 (local time), securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.

A decisive brace from Nicolas Pepe powered Les Elephants to second place in Group E, ending Curacao's spirited debut campaign and sealing a landmark achievement for the African side.

Ivory Coast began with intent, controlling possession and pressing high from the outset. Their early dominance paid off in the seventh minute when a fluid move through midfield opened space for Pepe, who reacted quickest to a precise pass and calmly finished past Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Curacao, needing ...