Amad Diallo's Late Winner Gives Ivory Coast a 1-0 Opening Victory Over Ecuador

Ivory Coast opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador in the first match for both teams in Group E. Substitute Amad Diallo, the 23-year-old Manchester United midfielder, scored in the 90th minute to secure three points for the Ivorians in their first World Cup appearance since 2014.

The goal also created a small piece of history, giving Ivory Coast its first-ever victory over a South American opponent in a World Cup match. The result ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions and left Ivory Coast level on points with Germany, which beat Curacao 7-1 in the group's other match.

Ivory Coast arrived with the youngest squad in the tournament and spent long stretches of the second half struggling to break down Ecuador's defensive setup. The decisive move came when defender Wilfried Singo found space on the right wing, surged forward and delivered a precise cross. Diallo arrived on time and finished first touch into the bottom left corner.

Ecuador had strong support in the stands from its large community in New York and New Jersey, around 600,000 people, creating a home-like atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. In the first half, John Yeboah hit the bar in the 23rd minute and Alan Minda struck the crossbar in the 30th. Gonzalo Plata forced a save from goalkeeper Yahia Fofana in the 68th minute, but Ivory Coast's greater quality and possession eventually decided the game.