‎Ivory Coast reach World Cup knockout stages for the first time after beating Curaçao

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‎Ivory Coast made history on Thursday by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time after defeating Curaçao 2-0 in their final Group E match at Philadelphia Stadium.
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‎Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé starred for the Elephants, scoring in each half to secure the landmark victory. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute after being set up by Yahia Diomande before doubling the advantage in the 64th minute from an Ibrahim Sangaré assist.
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‎The result ensured Ivory Coast finished among the teams advancing from Group E, ending years of disappointment after previous group-stage exits.
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‎The West Africans controlled much of the contest against Curaçao, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana producing a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet as the Caribbean side searched for a way back into the match.
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‎Ivory Coast now advance to the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group I. Their opponents will be determined after France and Norway conclude their final group fixture.
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‎Elsewhere in Group E, Ecuador produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 and secure qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
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‎Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal with 13 minutes remaining, capping a spirited comeback that lifted Ecuador to four points—enough to book their place in the knockout rounds.
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‎The victory means three teams from Group E progress to the last 32, with Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador all advancing.
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‎Ecuador’s qualification also reshaped the standings among the best third-placed teams, ending Scotland’s hopes of progressing while setting up a potential Round of 32 clash against England.
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‎For Ivory Coast, however, the night belonged to Pépé and his teammates, whose composed performance secured a historic breakthrough on football’s biggest stage and kept alive their dream of a deep World Cup run.
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