Philadelphia: Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday.
The contest looked set to finish goalless until the Manchester United winger, introduced from the bench, curled a precise shot into the bottom corner to claim Ivory Coast’s first World Cup win since 2014. The result moves the Ivorians into second in Group E behind Germany, who thrashed Curaçao 7-1 on Sunday.
The first half was frenetic, with Ecuador twice coming agonisingly close. John Yeboah rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from outside the area, and soon after Alan Minda’s curling attempt, played in by Pedro Vite, also struck the bar with the goalkeeper beaten.
Ivory Coast responded well. Yan Diomande was lively down the right, repeatedly making dangerous runs, while Bazoumana Touré forced a fingertip save from Ecuador keeper Hernán Galíndez with a low shot.
At 19 years and 212 days, Diomande became the first teenager to appear for Ivory Coast at a FIFA World Cup.
The second half continued to produce chances. Enner Valencia smashed a shot off the post from a tight angle, and later Elye Wahi’s first-time strike cannoned off the bar. As Ecuador retreated, Ivory Coast grew into the game and dominated possession in the closing stages, the pressure culminating in Amad’s late strike that sent them up the group.
(Inputs from IANS)