Amad's 90th-minute stunner gives Ivory Coast opening World Cup win over Ecuador

Amad Diallo rescued Ivory Coast with a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Ecuador in their 2026 World Cup opener, the Manchester United winger curling a first-time left-footed finish from the edge of the box to spark jubilant scenes among his teammates.

The 23-year-old had been introduced as a substitute in the 53rd minute after starting on the bench. Ecuador made life extremely difficult for the Ivorians, hitting the woodwork three times and appearing set to share the points before Amad’s late intervention settled the contest.

“We needed that,” Amad said after the final whistle. “We came here to make history. This is the first competition for each of us, and we have been super motivated since the match against France. We were all mentally prepared.”

Amad had already shown his international form in a warm-up friendly against France before carrying that momentum into the tournament’s opening round. His club form for United last season was modest by comparison — two goals and four assists across all competitions — but he has wasted no time making an impact on the biggest stage.

“It’s a lot of emotions — first match at the World Cup and my first goal,” he said. “But that’s not my goal; that’s to help the team and help the group move forward. Everyone wants to play, we are a team. The coach can make five substitutions, but not everyone can come on. Everyone is super ready.”

With two further group games to come, Amad urged Ivory Coast to maintain the same winning mentality. “It doesn’t stop there, but in the next two matches, we have to have the same mentality to try to win. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuador players — they are physically strong. We had to try to impose our game. They made it difficult for us, of course, but we tried to stay clear-headed, stay focused, and in the end, we won the three points.”

Back at club level, United interim manager Michael Carrick had spoken in Amad’s defence as recently as May, insisting the winger’s contribution extended well beyond his goal and assist tally. “I actually think he’s playing well,” Carrick said. “There’s an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team, to worry about numbers. He gives the team so much — talent, ability, and his work ethic and attitude is fantastic as well. I’m a big fan of Amad.”