Nicolas Pépé has declared his determination to keep scoring after a two-goal performance helped Côte d'Ivoire reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in the country's history.

The Villarreal winger was the decisive figure as the Elephants swept aside Curaçao 2-0 at Philadelphia Stadium on Thursday, netting both goals to seal a landmark result.

A place in the history books

Pépé's brace made him only the second Ivorian player ever to score twice in a single FIFA World Cup match. He follows in the footsteps of Aruna Dindane, who achieved the feat during the 3-2 victory over Serbia and Montenegro at the 2006 tournament.

The former Arsenal forward also set another record that evening, finding the net in the 7th minute to register Côte d'Ivoire's fastest-ever World Cup goal.

Pépé's tribute to his teammates

Speaking to FIFA.com after the match, Pépé was quick to share credit with his colleagues.