Amad Diallo Snatches Victory for Ivory Coast Against Ecuador in 90th Minute

Ivory Coast began the 2026 World Cup with a narrow but precious victory against Ecuador (1-0) on Sunday evening in Philadelphia. Amad Diallo, introduced during the match, scored the only goal of the encounter in the 90th minute to secure three points for the Elephants.

The match, refereed by Frenchman François Letexier, had long seemed headed toward a draw. The two teams played a balanced encounter, with neither able to make the difference during the first eighty-nine minutes. It was ultimately the Ivorian substitute who settled the debate in the final moments, sparing Ivory Coast a frustrating result given their ambitions in this tournament.

Emerse Faé had fielded a starting eleven in a 4-4-2 formation, notably featuring Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié and Nicolas Pépé in midfield and attack. Facing them, Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece had relied on Moisés Caicedo in midfield and Gonzalo Plata in attack, though these individual talents were not enough to destabilize the Ivorian defense.

Thanks to this victory, Ivory Coast has immediately taken a serious option on qualification for the next round. Ecuador, for their part, will need to react quickly to avoid being backed into a corner in this group.