Côte d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé has declared that his side fully deserved their place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after the Elephants sealed a comfortable 2-0 win over Curaçao at Philadelphia Stadium on Thursday.

Pépé delivers for the Elephants

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé was the hero of the night, netting both goals to send Côte d'Ivoire through as runners-up in Group E.

Pépé opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute — the fastest goal Côte d'Ivoire have ever recorded at a World Cup — tapping home from close range after Yan Diomandé slid a low cutback into the penalty area.

He completed his brace in the second half, finishing coolly with his left foot after a sharp one-two with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré freed him inside the box, leaving goalkeeper Eloy Room with no chance.

Faé proud but focused on what comes next

Speaking after the final whistle, Faé made clear that pride and ambition go hand in hand for this Côte d'Ivoire squad.