Pepe Secures Ivory Coast’s Historic World Cup Advancement with Double Strike

Philadelphia: Ivory Coast triumphed over Curaçao with a decisive 2-0 victory in their final Group E match at the Philadelphia Stadium, advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. Nicolas Pepe was the star of the match, scoring both goals to seal the historic win for his team. According to Thai News Agency, the match saw Ivory Coast's determination pay off as they secured their advancement despite facing tough competition. Pepe opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game, giving Ivory Coast an early lead. He struck again in the 64th minute, ensuring a comfortable victory for his side. With this win, Ivory Coast concluded their group stage campaign with two victories and one loss, earning a total of six points. Their performance as group runners-up marks a significant milestone, as they advance to the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history.