World Cup 2026: Nicolas Pépé makes history for Ivorian football with a record-breaking brace

25.06.26 FT World Cup

Curacao

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Ivory Coast

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It's historic! Côte d'Ivoire clinch a 2-0 victory over Curaçao and advance to the Round of 16 at the World Cup. Nicolas Pépé is the undisputed star of the match with his record-breaking brace.

He was on fire tonight. Nicolas Pépé delivered a memorable performance this Thursday against Curaçao in the third round of the World Cup. In the seventh minute, Yan Diomande set up the Villarreal striker with a superb pass, and Pépé finished it off in style. Early in the second half, Pépé struck again in the 64th minute after a brilliant assist from Ibrahim Sangaré.

With these two goals, the former Arsenal player becomes only the second Ivorian to score a brace at the World Cup, following Aruna Dindane against Serbia (3-2) on June 21, 2006.

While Côte d'Ivoire exited the group stage in their first World Cup appearance after just three matches, this time Nicolas Pépé's double sends the Elephants through to the Round of 16.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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