Ithad Albalida Overview

Nicolas Pepe proved to be the hero as Ivory Coast finally ended their World Cup group stage hoodoo with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao. The former Arsenal winger rose to the occasion in Philadelphia to secure his nation's place in the last 32. It marks a historic milestone for the Elephants, who had never previously progressed beyond the opening round of the tournament.

With the World Cup well underway, GOAL U.S. writers evaluate the tournament so far - and ask whether it has lived up to the hype.

Comprehensive match preview of Curacao vs Ivory Coast at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Eloy Room produced the performance of a lifetime to help Curacao secure their first-ever World Cup point in a gritty 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday. The Miami FC goalkeeper was in impenetrable form, matching ex-USMNT star Tim Howard's legendary record as he single-handedly kept the South Americans at bay during an evening of historic defiance in Kansas City.