Diallo's 90th-minute strike lifts Ivory Coast past Ecuador in World Cup opener

Match recap

A cagey World Cup Group E match in Philadelphia ended with a late twist on Sunday, as Amad Diallo's clinical 90th-minute goal gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Ecuador. The Manchester United winger, introduced in the 56th minute, steered a low cross from Wilfried Singo into the far corner past goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. The goal came after both sides had struck the woodwork, with Ecuador hitting the crossbar twice in the first half and Ivory Coast once in the second.

The result ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run dating to September 2024, while Ivory Coast picked up their first World Cup win since defeating Japan in 2014. The African champions now sit level on three points with Germany, who thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 earlier in the day.

Ecuador's wasteful opening

Ecuador, cheered on by most of the 68,274 crowd, began brightly. John Yeboah crashed a shot against the crossbar in the 24th minute after an uncertain clearance, and Alan Minda repeated the feat six minutes later with a well-struck effort from inside the box. The South Americans, coached by Sebastian Beccacece, threatened further through Gonzalo Plata, whose powerful drive in the 68th minute was pushed away by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Despite fielding a miserly defence that conceded only five goals in 18 qualifiers, Ecuador were undone on the right flank, where Piero Hincapié struggled to contain the pace of teenager Yan Diomande. Diomande, later named player of the match, tormented the left-back repeatedly and created the chance that led to Elye Wahi's second-half shot against the bar.

Diomande shines, Diallo delivers

Ivory Coast grew into the game after a sluggish start. The 19-year-old Diomande was a constant menace, driving down the wing and pulling defenders out of position. His cross in the 51st minute found Wahi, whose flick struck the crossbar from close range. Coach Emerse Faé then summoned Diallo, and the move paid off in stoppage time. Singo powered down the right, crossed low, and Diallo met it first-time to spark wild celebrations.

“"It was difficult. We know Ecuador is a great team and the weather would be very hot. We were patient, as the coach asked, waiting for our opportunity and we took it," said the player chosen as the best of the match.”

Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié set an aggressive tone with an early foul and collected one of three first-half yellow cards for the Elephants, who will next face four-time champions Germany in Toronto on June 20. Ecuador meet Curacao in Kansas City the same day, needing a win to revive their campaign.

What it means for Group E

Ivory Coast, competing in their fourth World Cup and first since 2014, took a significant step toward a maiden knockout-stage appearance. Their qualifying campaign yielded eight wins and two draws without conceding a single goal, and this gritty victory extended that defensive run. Ecuador, playing in their fifth finals, saw their hopes of a second round-of-16 berth dented after arriving with a remarkable unbeaten streak built on clean sheets and tight margins. However, both teams must now tackle Germany, who looked formidable in their demolition of Curacao.