Ivory Coast beats Curacao 2-0, shocks Germany 2-1 as both advance to World Cup Round of 32
Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 in their final Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals - the opener assisted by Yan Diomande and the winner finished off an Ibrahim Sangaré create in the 64th minute - to secure second place and a Round of 32 berth. In the other Group E match, Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 despite Leroy Sané's early goal in the second minute (assisted by Florian Wirtz), as Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute (assist from Pedro Vite) and Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute (assist from Kendry Páez Rodríguez), completing the comeback and sending both Ecuador and Germany through to the knockout stage.
The Elephants will now face the runner-up from Group I, while Germany awaits a qualified third-placed team from another group. Ecuador, having secured one of the best third-placed spots available, will play a group winner in the next round. Curacao's World Cup campaign ends after failing to advance from the group with just one point from three matches.
With Ivory Coast representing West Africa's hopes in the tournament, their disciplined defensive performance throughout the group stage and Nicolas Pépé's brace keep alive regional aspirations for deep World Cup runs. Which African team's progression are you most excited to follow in the knockout stage?