Nicolas Pépé struck twice to put Ivory Coast in firm control, as the Elephants took a 2-0 lead against Curaçao in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E fixture at Philadelphia Stadium.

The second goal came from a clinical finish by Pépé, who latched onto an incisive pass from Ibrahima Sangaré to double his side's advantage. The movement and the weight of Sangaré's delivery cut straight through the Curaçao defence, leaving Pépé with little more than a composed finish to complete.

The brace capped a dominant first-half display from Ivory Coast, who controlled the tempo throughout and punished their opponents with two well-taken goals.