Ivory Coast and Ecuador Move to World Cup Knockout Stage

Cote d’Ivoire beat Curacao 2-0, while Ecuador surprised Germany with a 2-1 win in their last Group E matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Elephants put in a strong effort to secure their spot in the Round of 32. They showed solid teamwork throughout the game.

Nicolas Pépé scored first after getting a pass from Yan Diomande. This gave Ivory Coast an early lead.

Curacao tried to equalise but found it hard against Ivory Coast’s well-organised defence during the match.

Pépé made it 2-0 in the 64th minute after finishing a good chance created by Ibrahim Sangaré’s assist.

This win meant Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and moved on to the knockout stage.

The Elephants will play against the runner-up from Group I in their next match.

Curacao was knocked out after not getting enough points to continue in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Germany started the match strong against Ecuador. Leroy Sané scored in just the second minute.

Sané scored with an assist from Florian Wirtz, giving Germany an early lead.

Ecuador came back quickly as Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute.

Angulo scored after Pedro Vite set him up with a perfect pass.

The South Americans kept up their attack and took the lead late in the game.

Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal in the 77th minute from an assist by Kendry Páez Rodríguez.

Despite losing, Germany finished top of Group E and also moved on to the knockout stage.

Ecuador qualified too, getting one of the best third-placed spots available.

They will face a group winner in the Round of 32 after this impressive win.

The end of Group E saw Ivory Coast, Germany, and Ecuador move beyond the group stage.

Curacao’s World Cup run ended after a tough tournament against stronger teams.