The Ivory Coast national team achieved a historic milestone during the 2026 World Cup, with striker Nicolas Pépé emerging as a standout player by scoring two goals. The 31-year-old forward’s remarkable performance not only led his team forward but also saw him break several long-standing football records.
Pépé’s brace marked a significant moment for Ivorian football, as he became the first player from the national team to score twice in a World Cup match since Aruna Dindane did so against Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 tournament. His accomplishment highlights the improvement and competitive spirit of the team on the world stage.
Additionally, according to Opta, Pépé’s age of 31 years and 27 days makes him the second-oldest African player to net a brace in World Cup history, following the legendary Roger Milla, who achieved the feat at 38 years old during the 1990 World Cup in Italy. This record underscores the experience and skill Pépé brings to the game.
This impressive performance also marked Pépé as the first Villarreal player to score a brace in a World Cup match since Denis Cheryshev’s two goals for Russia during the 2018 tournament. Such achievements signify the growing impact of players from various leagues on the international stage.