Ivory Coast claimed a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador after Amad Diallo scored in the closing moments of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match in Philadelphia on Monday.
For most of the game, both teams struggled to find the finishing touch despite creating several good chances.
Ecuador looked the more dangerous side in the first half. Enner Valencia missed a clear opportunity from close range, while John Yeboah struck the crossbar after a defensive mistake by Ivory Coast.
The South American side came close again when Minda broke through on goal, but his effort also crashed against the woodwork.
Ivory Coast responded with attacks of its own. Yan Diomande was lively throughout the match and caused problems with his runs down the flank. Beni Toure went narrowly wide, while the Ecuador defence worked hard to keep the African side out.
The Ivorians almost took the lead early in the second half. Elye Wahi met a low cross inside the box, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced away.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams continued to search for a winner. Goalkeepers Hernan Galindez and Yahia Fofana made important saves to keep the score level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute.
Wilfried Singo surged forward from deep inside his own half and carried the ball into a dangerous area before finding Diallo. The Manchester United winger struck a first time shot from the edge of the box and placed it into the bottom corner.
Ecuador pushed forward during added time and won a late corner, but Ivory Coast defended strongly and cleared the danger.
Diallo’s goal proved enough to secure all three points and hand Ivory Coast a winning start to its World Cup campaign. Ecuador, meanwhile, was left to regret the chances it failed to take.
