Ivory Coast's Nicolas Pepe in action with Curacao's Leandro Bacuna Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
Striker Nicolas Pepe scored both goals as Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to book a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.Pepe netted in the seventh and 64th minute to ensure second spot in Group E for the Ivorians and condemn tiny Curacao to bottom spot and elimination from the tournament.Ivory Coast, with six points, finished runners-up to Germany in their group, and qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts.In the last 32, the Ivory Coast will play in Dallas on Tuesday against the runners-up in Group I, to be decided later on Thursday. Published - June 26, 2026 03:52 am IST
