LAGOS, June 26, 2026 – Ivory Coast and Ecuador secured places in the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recording crucial victories in their final Group E matches.
Ivory Coast produced a composed and efficient performance to defeat Curacao 2-0 and confirm qualification for the Round of 32.
Nicolas Pépé put the Elephants ahead after connecting with a pass from Yan Diomande, handing his side an early advantage.
Curacao attempted to get back into the contest but found it difficult to break through Ivory Coast’s disciplined defensive setup.
Pépé completed his brace in the 64th minute, converting a chance created by Ibrahim Sangaré to double his team’s lead.
The victory ensured Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and advanced to the knockout rounds.
They are now set to take on the runners-up from Group I in the Round of 32.
Curacao, however, bowed out of the tournament after failing to accumulate enough points to progress.
In the other Group E encounter, Germany made a flying start against Ecuador when Leroy Sané found the net just two minutes into the match.
The German forward capitalised on an assist from Florian Wirtz to give his side an early lead.
Ecuador responded swiftly, drawing level in the ninth minute through Nilson Angulo after a well-worked move initiated by Pedro Vite.
The South American side continued to apply pressure and eventually completed the turnaround late in the game.
Gonzalo Plata struck the decisive goal in the 77th minute, finishing off an assist from Kendry Páez Rodríguez.
Despite suffering defeat, Germany retained top spot in the group and booked their place in the next round.
The former champions will face one of the tournament’s qualifying third-placed teams in the Round of 32.
Ecuador also advanced after earning enough points to secure one of the competition’s best third-place qualification slots.
They will now prepare for a challenging knockout clash against a group winner.
With the group-stage action concluded, Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador successfully extended their World Cup journeys, while Curacao exited the tournament after falling short in a competitive Group E campaign.