The Ivorians needed just a point to reach the round of 32, having exited at the group stage in their three previous World Cup appearances. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe believes the Elephants can continue their fairytale run at the FIFA World Cup after beating Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.

“We are delighted and proud to be the first Ivory Coast team to reach the knockout rounds. Everyone has worked hard for this and we have got our reward,” said Villarreal forward Pepe, who scored both goals in Philadelphia, one in each half.

“We are setting no limits. We have huge potential. Now we are into the knockout rounds, so we will see what happens.”

Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points, behind table-topper Germany on the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Elephants opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Germany.

The current squad has achieved what Ivory Coast’s celebrated “golden generation”, featuring Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, never managed. The West African nation had qualified for three successive World Cups between 2006 and 2014 but failed to progress beyond the group stage on each occasion.

Ivory Coast will now travel to Dallas for a Round of 32 clash on Tuesday against the runner-up from Group I, with either France or Norway set to be its opponent.

“We are really pleased. We will celebrate this and enjoy it a bit before starting to prepare for what’s to come,” said French-born coach Emerse Fae.

“Not everything was perfect, but we have qualified, and the victory will be good for morale.”

Published on Jun 26, 2026