Côte d’Ivoire have become the third African nation to book a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curaçao in their final Group E match on Thursday.
READ ALSO: NWFL Championship Return to Calabar, Kick Set for July Kick Off
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé starred with a brace, scoring in the seventh and 64th minutes to secure a historic qualification for the Elephants, who reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Ivorians needed only a draw to progress but wasted little time taking control.
Yan Diomande won possession high up the pitch before setting up Pépé for the opening goal inside seven minutes. The experienced forward sealed the victory in the second half with a clinical left-footed finish after being assisted by Ibrahim Sangaré.
The result saw Côte d’Ivoire finish second in Group E with six points, recording two World Cup victories in a single tournament for the first time.
Head coach Emerse Faé praised his team’s achievement after the final whistle.
“Enjoy this historic qualification and celebrate it. Once we are done celebrating, continue sending us positive vibes so we can go as far as we can in this tournament,” Faé said.
He also commended the unity within his squad, describing it as a major factor behind their impressive World Cup campaign.
The qualification ends years of frustration for the West Africans, who failed to advance beyond the group stage in their previous World Cup appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014, despite boasting a golden generation led by Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.
Fresh from lifting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire have continued their upward trajectory under Faé and now look ahead to a Round of 32 clash against either France or Norway on June 30 in Arlington, Texas.
Meanwhile, Curaçao bowed out of the tournament with one point from three matches.
Despite the elimination, the tournament debutants earned widespread praise for their spirited performances, including a historic draw against Ecuador.
With Morocco, South Africa and now Côte d’Ivoire safely through, Africa’s representation in the knockout stage continues to grow, while several other African nations remain in contention for qualification.
