Nicolas Pepe
Côte d'IvoireForwardVillarrealNicolas Pepe goes into World Cup 2026 as a forward with tournament responsibility for Côte d'Ivoire. He brings 52 caps and 12 goals into the tournament. Villarreal provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Group E
Jun 14, 2026vs Ecuador - 7:00 PM EDT
Quick Facts
Nicolas Pepe and Côte d'Ivoire World Cup 2026 Squad
Côte d'Ivoire selected Nicolas Pepe for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a forward, he can pull defenders away from the box, arrive for low crosses and keep pressure on clearances.
Pepe is part of a group of 9 forwards, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Nicolas Pepe brings 52 caps and 12 goals into the tournament.
Pepe's senior international timeline dates back to 2016, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Nicolas Pepe enters the tournament with 52 caps and 12 goals for Côte d'Ivoire.
- World Cup 2026 role: Côte d'Ivoire list Nicolas Pepe as a forward, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Côte d'Ivoire face Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pepe's World Cup value starts with first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Pepe's touches around the area have to be clean because World Cup chances rarely stay open for long.
- Clinical finishing
- Penalty-area movement
- Near-post runs
- Pressing angles
- Center-back duels
- Rebound reactions
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Côte d'Ivoire start against Ecuador on 14 June 2026 in Philadelphia. For Pepe, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Germany follow on 20 June 2026 in Toronto. For Pepe, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Côte d'Ivoire chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 14, 20267:00 PM EDT | Ecuador | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
| Jun 20, 20264:00 PM EDT |  Germany | Toronto Stadium, Toronto |
| Jun 25, 20264:00 PM EDT |  Curaçao | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Nicolas Pepe played 36 LaLiga matches for Villarreal in 2025/26, scoring 8 goals and providing 8 assists.
Pepe's latest checked appearance came on May 24, 2026, with 90 minutes in Villarreal versus Atletico Madrid.
Career Stats
Nicolas Pepe brings 52 caps and 12 goals into the tournament.
For Côte d'Ivoire, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Pepe's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Côte d'Ivoire |
| Position | Forward |
| Club | Villarreal |
| Caps | 52 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Born | 29 May 1995 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Nicolas Pepe enters World Cup 2026 with Côte d'Ivoire as a forward. The senior record stands at 52 caps and 12 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Côte d'Ivoire will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are movement, finishing and pressing from the front.
Côte d'Ivoire start against Ecuador on Jun 14, 2026 in Philadelphia. Germany and Curaçao come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Nicolas Pepe in the Côte d'Ivoire World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Nicolas Pepe is in Côte d'Ivoire's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Nicolas Pepe play?
He is listed as a forward for Côte d'Ivoire.
How many international caps and goals does Nicolas Pepe have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 52 caps and 12 goals for Côte d'Ivoire.
Who are Côte d'Ivoire's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Côte d'Ivoire face Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao in the group stage.
When is Nicolas Pepe's first World Cup 2026 match?
Côte d'Ivoire start against Ecuador on 14 June 2026 in Philadelphia.
What is Nicolas Pepe's latest club form?
He plays for Villarreal in the checked player facts.
More Côte d'Ivoire World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Côte d'Ivoire squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group E Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | Côte d'Ivoire | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Ecuador | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Curaçao | 3 | -8 | 1 |