World Cup live updates: Croatia beats Ghana to reach knockout stage

Ivory Coast got goals from Nicolas Pépé in each half and advanced to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in the West African team's history with a 2-0 victory over Curacao on Thursday.

Les Éléphants have crashed the party and made it out of their group for the first time in four World Cup appearances.

Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in its tournament opener - at the same Philadelphia stadium as Thursday's game - and lost to Germany in its Group E second game.

Ivory Coast will play June 30 against either France or Norway - whichever is the runner-up in Group I.

Curacao needed to win and instead failed to become the smallest nation to qualify for the knockout stages.

The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill will stay open until midnight Thursday for the visitors rooting on the U.S. men's national team when they play Türkiye at 10 p.m.

More than 250 thousand people have visited the grounds in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park since it opened.

The FIFA Fan Festival will stay open until midnight Thursday for the visitors rooting on the U.S. men's national team

Philadelphia is hosting another World Cup game Thursday as Curacao faces off against Ivory Coast.

Curacao is seeking its first win in the tournament. It will be Ivory Coast's second appearance in the City of Brotherly Love after winning a match in Philadelphia on June 14.

Thursday's match starts at 4 p.m.

Action News caught up with some fans from Curacao, which is a Caribbean island nation, at Independence Hall.

They are excited since this is the first time in history the team has qualified to play for the World Cup.

Fans of Curacao gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill on Wednesday ahead of their team's matchup against Ivory Coast.

For Ivory Coast, the appearance marks the nation's fourth World Cup. But for Curacao, the moment is historic - the country is making its first World Cup appearance and is believed to be the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament.

Curacao fans gather at FIFA Fan Fest

"It's a feeling you cannot describe when they call our team onto the field. It's amazing, unbelievable," said Erin Neuman, a Curacao, supporter.

Ivory Coast fans are also eager for the matchup.

"Ivory Coast! I've been following both teams and their matches - and Brazil too," said Randi Lane of Drexel Hill.

The game is set to kick off on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Fan Fest is free for all 39 days of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Entry will be managed through an online registration platform to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.