PHILADELPHIA — Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to lift Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in its first World Cup appearance in a dozen years. The match, played on June 15, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field, saw the Manchester United winger slot home a cross from the right flank to break the deadlock.
The teams combined to hit the crossbar three times before Diallo's decisive strike. Ecuador came close in the first half when a header from Enner Valencia rattled the woodwork, while Ivory Coast's Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié also struck the bar in the second period.
Ivory Coast, making their return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament, controlled possession for large stretches but struggled to break down a disciplined Ecuadorian defense. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made several key saves to keep the match level.
The win puts Ivory Coast in a strong position in Group H, which also includes Belgium and Saudi Arabia. Ecuador will look to bounce back in their next group stage match.
