Ivory Coast make knockout stage history at World Cup 2026
The Elephants secure their first-ever World Cup knockout berth with a 2-0 win over Curaçao, setting up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash with a top seed.
Ivory Coast made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage berth with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao in San José, Costa Rica. The Elephants finished second in Group D, behind France, and will now face either Argentina, Portugal, or Morocco in the Round of 16. The win was sealed by goals from Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié in the 38th and 78th minutes, respectively, after a cagey first half where Ivory Coast controlled possession but struggled to break down Curaçao’s low block.
Haller’s header, a rebound from a blocked effort, gave the Elephants the lead just before halftime, while Kessié’s clinical finish in the 78th minute put the result beyond doubt. Ivory Coast’s path to the knockout stage was far from smooth. A 1-0 loss to France in their opener left them needing a win to keep hopes alive, and they delivered against a resilient Curaçao side that had already bowed out of contention.
