Ivory Coast and Ecuador booked their places in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Curacao and Germany, respectively, in the final Group E matches.
Ivory Coast produced a disciplined performance to beat Curacao 2-0 and finish second in Group E.
Nicolas Pépé gave the Elephants an early lead after being set up by Yan Diomande, before doubling the advantage in the 64th minute with a finish from Ibrahim Sangaré’s assist.
Curacao pressed for an equaliser but were unable to break through Ivory Coast’s organised defence.
The victory secured Ivory Coast’s passage to the knockout stage, where they will face the runners-up of Group I.
Curacao were eliminated after failing to earn enough points to advance.
In the other Group E fixture, Ecuador came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in a dramatic encounter.
Germany made a dream start when Leroy Sané scored in the second minute from Florian Wirtz’s pass.
However, Ecuador responded swiftly as Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute after being set up by Pedro Vite.
The South Americans maintained their attacking intensity and completed the comeback in the 77th minute, with Gonzalo Plata converting Kendry Páez RodrÃguez’s assist.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E and advanced to the Round of 32, where they will face one of the qualified third-placed teams.
Ecuador also progressed after securing one of the tournament’s best third-placed spots and will take on a group winner in the knockout stage.
The final Group E standings saw Germany finish first, Ivory Coast second and Ecuador advance as one of the best third-placed teams, while Curacao exited the competition.
Source: NAN
