Curaçao vs Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast made World Cup history in Philadelphia, defeating Curaçao 2-0 to reach the knockout stage for the very first time in their Men's World Cup history. Nicolas Pépé was the hero, delivering a composed and clinical brace to send the Elephants through. Pépé struck in the 7th minute after Yan Diomandé stole possession and threaded a perfect pass through — the winger tucked it into the corner with authority. Curaçao showed real fight, with Livano Comenencia rattling the post in the 14th, but the Blue Waves couldn't find an equalizer. Pépé made it safe in the 57th, controlling a Sangaré pass inside the box before lifting a composed finish past keeper Eloy Room. The result gives Ivory Coast six Group E points and a round-of-16 tie against the runner-up of France vs Norway — a landmark moment for the Elephants. Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to compete at a Men's World Cup, bow out with just one point but leave Philadelphia with a historic debut campaign to be proud of.