Ecuador looked strong, but Diallo broke through with a sharp left-footed shot in the 90th minute to seal the victory.
Published June 15, 2026
Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their first World Cup appearance in 12 years.
The team combined to hit the crossbar three times before the Manchester United winger broke the deadlock and secured the three points for his team at the Philadelphia Stadium on Sunday.
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Diallo, who came on as a substitute in the 56th minute, broke through with a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area, beating diving goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. Wilfried Shingo set up the goal with a powerful run from the right flank.
Ivory Coast, which is participating in the World Cup for the fourth time since 2014, has taken a big step toward advancing to the final tournament for the first time.
Ivory Coast had Elie Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute, but Ecuador’s John Yeboah and Nilsson Angulo hit the same shot in the first half.
Ecuador, playing in its fifth World Cup and aiming to advance to the knockout stage for the second time, was virtually playing its home game at the stadium, also known as Lincoln Financial Field, with most of the sold-out crowd of 68,274 wearing La Tri’s yellow shirts.
Ecuador looked strong in front of Diallo’s goal. The best chance after half-time came in the 68th minute, when Gonzalo Plata fired a powerful shot from around 25 yards that was deflected by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Ivory Coast were boosted by Yann Diomande’s play up front, with Leipzig’s attackers creating several scoring chances, especially on the right flank. That included Diomande’s powerful cross followed by Wahi’s flick on goal.
Ivory Coast, who have 8 wins, 0 losses and 2 draws and no conceded in their 10 qualifying matches, will next face four-time World Cup champions Germany, who defeated Curaçao 7-1, in Group E on Sunday.
Ecuador will play against Curacao. Both matches will take place on June 20th.
