History: Ivory Coast Reaches World Cup Knockout Stage for the First Time
African side Ivory Coast wrote a new chapter in its history in the FIFA World Cup after defeating Curacao 2-0 on Thursday night to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. This victory marked significant achievement for the Elephants who suffered group stage elimination in all their previous World Cup appearances including 2006, 2010 and 2014.
Daniel Theo Cole
USA: African side Ivory Coast wrote a new chapter in its history in the FIFA World Cup after defeating Curacao 2-0 on Thursday night to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
This victory marked significant achievement for the Elephants who suffered group stage elimination in all their previous World Cup appearances including 2006, 2010 and 2014.
Nicolas Pepe’s brace at the Philadelphia Stadium in the USA sealed the crucial 3 points for the Ivorians as they qualify as runners-up to Germany in Group E.
Ivory Coast advanced with 6 points, same as Germany who led the group with 4 goals difference.
Head Coach Emerse Fae's side will face Group I winner from either France or Norway in the round of 32, on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The expanded 48-team edition of the World Cup features a new round of 32 including the traditional round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and Grand Final.
