Ivory Coast made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in an entertaining Group E encounter at Lincoln Financial Field.
The match produced end-to-end action from start to finish, with both sides creating several decent opportunities but lacking the finishing touch for much of the contest.
Ecuador came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both striking the crossbar as the Tricolours piled pressure on the Elephants before the break.
Ivory Coast, however, remained in the contest and gradually grew into the game as the second half progressed, creating chances of their own in a tightly fought affair.
Just when the match appeared destined to end goalless, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came of the bench to emerge as the hero for the African champions.
Deep into additional time, Diallo arrived at the back post to tap home Wilfried Singo’s inviting cross and send the Ivorian supporters into wild celebrations.
The late winner handed the Elephants a huge three points and puts them in a strong position ahead of a mouth-watering clash against Germany on June 20.
Ecuador, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the heartbreaking defeat when they take on World Cup debutants Curaçao on June 21 in their second Group E fixture.
