Curaçao 0-1 Côte d’Ivoire: FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the biggest matches in Group E, with everything still to play for. The African side controls its own destiny, while Curaçao must win and hope other results go its way to keep its World Cup dream alive.
And they settled their nerves with a goal after just seven minutes as Curacao’s defenders were caught out at the back and dispossessed by Yan Diomande, who squared for Pepe to tap in.
Then, in the 65th minute, former Arsenal forward Pepe – who was left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – got his second as he slotted a left-footed strike into the top corner past Curacao keeper Eloy Room.
Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to play at a men’s World Cup, went down fighting as they created several chances to score.
Their best opening came shortly before half-time when forward Juninho Bacuna broke between two men and into the box but fired wide at the near post.