Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador secured their places in the Round of 32 after dramatic final-day victories in Group E at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Germany progressed despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
The Elephants produced a composed performance to defeat World Cup debutants Curaçao 2-0 in Philadelphia, with Nicolas Pepe scoring twice to seal Côte d’Ivoire’s passage to the knockout stages for the first time.
Pepe, restored to the starting line-up after the defeat to Germany, wasted little time in making his mark. The Villarreal forward opened the scoring early when Yan Diomande collected a loose ball on the edge of the area before delivering a low cross that Pepe calmly converted from close range.
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The early breakthrough allowed Côte d’Ivoire to dictate proceedings, although Curaçao showed flashes of promise through Tahith Chong and captain Leandro Bacuna. Chong fired narrowly over before Bacuna skipped past two defenders only to drag his effort wide.
Pepe completed his brace after the break, exchanging passes with Ibrahim Sangare before finishing confidently past goalkeeper Eloy Room to wrap up a deserved victory.
The result ended Curaçao’s historic maiden World Cup campaign, while Côte d’Ivoire finished second in Group E on six points and advanced to face the runners-up of Group I in Dallas on June 30.
Meanwhile, in East Rutherford, Ecuador produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 and secure one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots.
Germany struck first inside nine minutes through Leroy Sane, whose composed finish from Florian Wirtz’s pass gave the Europeans their earliest World Cup goal since 1934.
Ecuador responded impressively just seven minutes later. Midfielder Nilson Angulo, making his first start of the tournament, levelled with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area after Pablo Vite won possession high up the pitch.
The second half featured further drama as a German penalty was overturned following a VAR review, before Ecuador found the decisive goal in the closing stages.
After Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner at the near post, Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to poke the ball beyond Manuel Neuer and into the roof of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among Ecuador’s supporters.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Côte d’Ivoire. Ecuador’s victory earned them a place in the Round of 32 as one of the competition’s eight best third-placed teams, completing an eventful conclusion to Group E.