Ivory Coast reach World Cup knockout stage for the first time in four appearances

Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history on Thursday 25 June, defeating Curaçao 2–0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to finish second in Group E.

Nicolas Pépé scored twice to seal the result. Yan Diomandé took advantage of Curaçao failing to clear their lines and squared for Pépé, who made no mistake to open the scoring. The all-important second goal followed in the 64th minute, with Pépé collecting Ibrahim Sangaré's inch-perfect pass and curling a finish beyond goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Ivory Coast have qualified for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, this being their fourth appearance at the tournament, following editions in 2006, 2010 and 2014. It is also the first time they have won multiple matches in a single World Cup.

Pépé became only the second Côte d'Ivoire player to score two goals in a World Cup match, two decades after Aruna Dindane netted a brace against Serbia in 2006. The first of his goals was also his country's fastest ever in a World Cup, scored after six minutes and four seconds.

Group E final standings

Ivory Coast began with a 1–0 win over Ecuador on 14 June, lost 2–1 to Germany on 20 June, and then beat Curaçao 2–0 on 25 June. Germany, who had already secured top spot, suffered a surprise 2–1 defeat to Ecuador in the concurrent match, though it did not affect the Ivorian qualification.

Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and will face either France or Norway in the round of 32 on 30 June. The identity of that opponent depends on the outcome of the France-Norway match on Friday 26 June, which had not yet kicked off at the time of writing.

The result sent coach Emerse Faé's side into the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in history. Ivory Coast only needed a point to finish as runners-up but took control early, going in front inside seven minutes.

Pépé and Diomandé the standouts

Ivory Coast only needed a draw to advance and after going a goal up, they managed the game comfortably, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana having very little work to do.

Ivory Coast completed 43 dribbles as a team during the group stage, more than any team managed across the group stage at the 2022 or 2018 editions. Yan Diomandé became the first player to create ten or more chances and complete ten or more dribbles across his first three World Cup appearances since 1990.

For Curaçao, Thursday's defeat ended their first-ever appearance at a World Cup. A win would have secured progression for Dick Advocaat's side, who had held Ecuador to a goalless draw in their previous match.

The round of 32 begins on Sunday 28 June.