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Ivory Coast see 'no limits' after reaching World Cup knockouts for first time

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 Ivory Coast celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group E match vs  Curacao at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States on June 25, 2026. [Abdulhamid Hosbas / AFP]

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe believes the Elephants can keep on going at the World Cup after beating Curacao 2-0 on Thursday to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

"We are delighted and proud to be the first Ivory Coast team to reach the knockout rounds. Everyone has worked hard for this and we have got our reward," said Villarreal's Pepe, who scored both goals against Curacao in Philadelphia, one in each half.

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