Ivory Coast 1–0 Ecuador: Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner ends Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run
Ivory Coast opened their 2026 World Cup Group E campaign with a dramatic late win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, substitute Amad Diallo settling an end-to-end contest in the 90th minute. The Manchester United forward, on since the second half, steered the ball inside the far post from the edge of the box after a driving run and cross from the repositioned Wilfried Singo.
The match was goalless at the break and the woodwork was rattled repeatedly, with early strikes from John Yeboah and Alan Minda and a host of half-chances at both ends. Ecuador had the better of the opening half-hour but could not find a finish, and the introduction of Amad sharpened the Ivorian attack.
The result ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten streak and gave Ivory Coast their first World Cup victory since 2014, sending the African champions top of Group E on three points.
Key moments
- •Substitute Amad Diallo scored the only goal in the 90th minute, finishing inside the post from the edge of the area.
- •Wilfried Singo set up the winner with a lung-busting run and cross down the right flank.
- •The game was goalless at half-time after both sides rattled the woodwork in an end-to-end contest.
- •The defeat ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run.
- •It was Ivory Coast's first World Cup win since 2014.
Timeline
Match facts
- Philadelphia
- ▶
- Referee: François Letexier (France)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.