The Côte d’Ivoire national team has made history at the 2026 World Cup by advancing to the tournament playoffs for the first time. In a pivotal third-round match, the Elephants secured a decisive victory over Curaçao, finishing the group stage with 6 points and claiming second place in their group.
Details: Prior to this tournament, Côte d’Ivoire had participated in the World Cup finals on three occasions—2006, 2010, and 2014. Despite featuring star players and delivering impressive performances, the team consistently fell short of reaching the knockout stage. This year, however, a combination of unwavering determination and a crucial victory over Curaçao has allowed the Ivorians to rewrite their World Cup narrative, sparking celebrations across the nation.
This milestone is being celebrated as a significant achievement for the current generation of Ivorian players. With 6 points earned, the Elephants are now gearing up for the knockout stage in hopes of continuing their underdog story and captivating the football world.
The Côte d’Ivoire team is set to face either France or Norway in the Round of 32.