Ecuador looked strong before Diallo took the lead in the 90th minute with a left-footed shot to seal the win.
Published on June 15, 2026
Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in their first World Cup appearance in more than a decade.
The two teams combined to hit the crossbar three times before the Manchester United winger broke the deadlock to secure the three points for his team at Philadelphia Stadium on Sunday.
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Diallo – who came on as a substitute in the 56th minute – advanced with a left-footed shot from inside the penalty area that beat goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. Wilfried Sengo created the goal with a powerful shot from the right side.
In their fourth World Cup appearance and first since 2014, Ivory Coast Taking a big step towards reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Elie Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute for Ivory Coast, after Ecuadorians John Yeboah and Nelson Angulo did the same in the first half.
Ecuador, competing in its fifth World Cup finals and looking to reach the knockout rounds for the second time, was playing a virtual home match at the stadium, also known as Lincoln Financial Field, with most of the crowd of 68,274 wearing yellow La Tre jerseys.
Ecuador looked strong before Diallo’s goal. Their best opportunity came after the end of the first half in the 68th minute, after a powerful shot from Gonzalo Plata from 25 yards was blocked by goalkeeper Yahya Fofana.
Ivory Coast enhanced Liane Diomande’s attacking play, as the Leipzig striker created many scoring chances, especially on the right side. This included Wahi’s close goal with a tap-in after Diomandi’s powerful cross.
Ivory Coast, which has not conceded a single goal during an 8-0-2 record in 10 qualifying matches, will face four-time world champion Germany, who… Defeated Curacao 7-1 Earlier Sunday in Group E.
Ecuador will meet Curacao. The two matches will be held on June 20.
