Ivory Coast comfortably booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a professional 2-0 victory over Curacao, ending any hopes of another giant-killing performance from Dick Advocaat's side.

The breakthrough came after just seven minutes following a costly defensive mistake from Curacao. A misplaced first touch gifted possession to Yann Diomande, who drove into the box before delivering a dangerous low cross. Nicolas Pepe reacted quickest inside the six-yard area to steer the ball home and hand the Elephants an early advantage.

Conceding so early forced Dick Advocaat's team to abandon their cautious game plan, but Curacao struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organised Ivorian defence. Despite enjoying more possession as the game progressed, the underdogs rarely looked capable of finding an equaliser.

Nicolas Pepe wrapped up the victory in style on 64 minutes. Timing his run to perfection to beat the offside trap, the winger burst into the penalty area from the right before producing a superb curling finish into the top corner to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.

With qualification secured, Ivory Coast comfortably managed the closing stages while conserving energy for the challenges ahead. The African side will now face the runners-up from Group I in the first knockout round, with either France or Norway awaiting them.

World Cup 2026

Curacao - Ivory Coast 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Pépé N., 7 (0:1); Pépé N., 64 (0:2)

Curacao: Room; Brenet (Sambo, 90); Obispo; Fonville (Noslin T., 77); Floranus; Gaari J. (Kastaneer, 77); Comenencia (Antonisse, 61); Bacuna J.; Bacuna L.; Chong; Locadia (Kuwas, 90)
Substitution: Antonisse (from 61); Noslin T. (from 77); Kastaneer (from 77); Sambo (from 90); Kuwas (from 90)
Bench: Bodak; Doornbusch; van Eijma; Bazoer; Roemeratoe; Felida; Hansen S.; Margaritha; Martha; Gorré
Yellow Cards: Bacuna J. 75; Kastaneer 83

Ivory Coast: Fofana Yahia; Doué G.; Diomande O.; Kossounou; Operi; Sangaré I.; Kessié (Seri, 77); Bonny (Diakité, 67); Diomande Y. (Toure B-a, 67); Diallo (Oulaï Inao, 46); Pépé N. (Wahi, 67)
Substitution: Oulaï Inao (from 46); Toure B-a (from 67); Wahi (from 67); Diakité (from 67); Seri (from 77)
Bench: Kone Moh.; Lafont; Singo; Konan; Agbadou; Ndicka; Fofana S.; Guiagon; Adingra; Guessand
Yellow Cards: Pépé N. 34