90th-minute goal by Amad Diallo lifts Ivory Coast past Ecuador 1-0
The result puts Ivory Coast second in Group E behind Germany, while Ecuador remain without a point.
Ivory Coast opened Group E play at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ecuador at Lincoln Financial Field in the United States on Monday, thanks to an Amad Diallo goal in the 90th minute. The match was tight from the start, with both teams creating chances. Ecuador nearly went ahead first, but John Yeboah and Alan Minda struck the crossbar. Ivory Coast also threatened through Elye Wahi. The deadlock was broken near the end when Wilfried Singo drove down the right side and sent the ball into the penalty area for Diallo to finish. Coach Emerse Fae said his team was more focused in the second half and was able to stay patient. The win gave Ivory Coast its first three points and kept its hopes of advancing alive, while its next match will be against Germany, and Ecuador will face Curacao.