Nicolas Pépé scored twice as Côte d'Ivoire sealed a historic 2-0 victory over Curaçao in their final group-stage match, booking the Elephants' first-ever place in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup.

The result ends a long-standing barrier for Emerse Fae's side, who had never previously advanced beyond the group stage at a World Cup. They finished second in their group behind Germany and will now face either France or Norway in the round of 32.

Pépé breaks the deadlock early

Côte d'Ivoire needed only seven minutes to open the scoring. A defensive lapse from the Curaçao back line allowed Yann Diomandé to receive the ball in space, and he squared it to Pépé, who slotted home with composure.

Curaçao responded with purpose — Tahith Chong tested goalkeeper Fofana with the visitors' first meaningful attempt, though Fofana was equal to the effort.

Amad Diallo came close to doubling the lead on more than one occasion, first narrowing missing the target and then being denied by a well-timed defensive intervention. Curaçao grew into the game as the half wore on, with Gaari, Chong, and Bacuna all testing the Ivorian defence without reward.

Pépé wraps it up from Sangaré's through ball

Any remaining doubt about the outcome was removed in the 64th minute, when a brilliant through ball from Sangaré released Pépé into the penalty area and the forward finished with authority to claim his second goal of the evening.

Côte d'Ivoire's progression was confirmed by events elsewhere in the group. Ecuador also advanced to the knockout rounds after beating Germany 2-1, securing their place among the best third-placed teams.

For the Elephants and their supporters across Africa, the milestone marks a new chapter — Côte d'Ivoire are no longer a group-stage fixture at the World Cup, but a genuine contender in the knockout rounds.