Philadelphia: A masterful brace from winger Nicolas Pépé ensured Ivory Coast secured a historic passage to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating debutants Curaçao 2-0 at the Philadelphia Stadium.

The victory means the Elephants have clinched second place in Group E, guaranteeing their qualification into the Round of 32 for the first time in the nation's history.

The African side wasted no time asserting their authority in Philadelphia. The deadlock was broken in just the seventh minute when an early mistake from a Curaçao defender allowed the in-demand youngster Yan Diomandé to showcase great trickery down the left flank. Diomandé picked out Pépé, who clinically slotted the ball home at the near post. Diomandé has been a standout performer of the tournament, creating 10 chances and completing 10 dribbles across his opening three World Cup appearances.

Despite trailing early on, Dick Advocaat's Curaçao side refused to collapse and gradually found their footing. The Caribbean team worked diligently to absorb the Ivorian pressure, with former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong testing the Ivory Coast backline and attempting a long-range effort that sailed just wide before the interval.

However, the Ivory Coast's attacking quality ultimately proved decisive in the second half. In the 64th minute, Pépé produced a moment of individual brilliance to wrap up the points. The winger received the ball in space, cut inside with confidence, and curled a sublime strike into the far corner, leaving Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room with no chance.

With that second goal, Pépé etched his name into his country's footballing folklore. Pépé has become just the fifth player to score more than once for the Ivory Coast at a men's FIFA World Cup.

The Elephants comfortably managed possession in the closing stages to secure the clean sheet and confirm their progression. While Ivory Coast marches on to the last 32, Curaçao's historic maiden World Cup campaign comes to an end, with the island nation heading home after claiming a solitary point from the tournament.