Pepe Breaks Drogba’s All-Time Ivory Coast Record

Pepe Breaks Drogba’s All-Time Ivory Coast Record

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pépé made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring twice in a crucial group-stage match against Curaçao, a performance that helped his country secure qualification for the knockout rounds and reportedly saw him surpass Didier Drogba’s all-time Ivory Coast World Cup scoring record.

Pépé opened the scoring early in the match before adding a second goal in the second half, sealing a 2–0 victory that confirmed Ivory Coast’s place in the last 32 of the tournament. The goals not only ensured a historic qualification Ivory Coast’s first-ever progression to the World Cup knockout stage but also moved Pépé ahead of Drogba in the national team’s World Cup goal tally, according to match reports highlighting his brace and record-breaking achievement.

The result continues a strong tournament run for the Ivorian side, who have impressed with disciplined defending and efficient finishing throughout the group stage. Curaçao, meanwhile, exited the competition despite a spirited debut campaign. Pépé’s resurgence has been a key storyline of the tournament, with the forward—once dropped from international duty now playing a decisive role in Ivory Coast’s attacking success on the world stage. Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2–0 in the 2026 World Cup, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals to secure knockout qualification and, according to reports, surpass Didier Drogba’s long-standing national scoring record at the tournament level.