Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

In Group E of the 2026 World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire beat Curaçao 2-0 on Thursday to advance to the knockout rounds. Nicolas Pépé scored the first goal in the seventh minute and added a second early in the second half after a pass from Ibrahim Sangaré. Curaçao had several chances but could not convert.

Meanwhile, Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1. Germany had already qualified, but Ecuador needed the win to secure a spot as one of the best third-placed teams. The match started quickly: Leroy Sané gave Germany the lead in the second minute, though Ecuador protested that the goal should be disallowed for dangerous play. The goal stood. Angulo equalized soon after, capitalizing on a German defensive error. Early in the second half, Ecuador was awarded a penalty, but the referee overturned it after a VAR review. Fifteen minutes from time, Gonzalo Plata scored from a corner to make it 2-1, which Ecuador held.

In the final standings, Germany topped Group E with six points, followed by Côte d'Ivoire also on six but with an inferior goal difference. Ecuador finished third with four points, while Curaçao ended with one point.

This is the first World Cup with 48 teams. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. The group stage ends June 27, with the knockout stage starting June 28. Semifinals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.