Ivory Coast Make History: Elephants Reach World Cup Last 32 for the First Time

It is a landmark moment for Ivorian football. In four World Cup appearances, the Elephants had never managed to advance beyond the group stage. That changed on Thursday night with a composed 2-0 victory over Curaçao. Emerse Faé's side delivered a disciplined and clinical performance, extending the remarkable run of form that began with their triumphant 2024 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on home soil. The former midfielder turned head coach continues to build something special with this squad. Speaking after the match, Faé was characteristically cool when asked about his preferred opponent in the Round of 32. "No preference between Norway and France," he stated, refusing to engage in tactical mind games. The message is clear: this Ivory Coast side fears no one. Tuesday's clash promises to be a fascinating encounter regardless of the opponent. Whether they face Erling Haaland's Norway or Kylian Mbappé's France, the Elephants will carry the freedom of a team that has already exceeded expectations. For a nation that saw golden generations featuring Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Gervinho fall short at this stage, the breakthrough carries immense emotional weight. From a prognostics standpoint, this is exactly the kind of fixture that produces upsets at a World Cup — a liberated underdog against a heavyweight burdened by expectation. The Elephants are ready to charge.