News Focus
- Amad Diallo scores decisive goal in the 90th minute to secure victory for the Elephants
- Manchester United forward settles tense Group E encounter against Ecuador
- Win marks Côte d’Ivoire’s first-ever World Cup triumph over South American opponents
- Teenage sensation Yan Diomande delivers standout performance in midfield
- Result ends Ecuador’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run
Amad Diallo came off the bench to fire home a dramatic late winner, handing Côte d’Ivoire a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening World Cup 2026 fixture. The Manchester United winger struck in the final minute of normal time to settle the Group E clash played in New York.
The decisive moment arrived when Wilfried Singo surged forward from his defensive position on the right flank. He delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Diallo met the ball with a crisp first-time finish that nestled into the bottom left corner. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Ivorian supporters and secured a dream start to their first World Cup campaign in 12 years.
This victory holds special significance for the West African nation, representing their maiden success against South American opposition at the global finals. It also brought an abrupt end to Ecuador’s formidable 19-match unbeaten streak, which had stretched back several months.
Prior to the late drama, 19-year-old midfielder Yan Diomande had been the star of the show for the Elephants. The teenager consistently terrorised Ecuador’s left side with his pace and trickery. In the 35th minute, he embarked on a mazy run from the halfway line, beating Piero Hincapié before cutting the ball back for Nicolas Pépé, whose shot was blocked after the winger took an extra touch.
Ecuador came closest to scoring during the first half through a combination of Ivorian defensive errors and bad luck. John Yeboah crashed an effort against the crossbar in the 23rd minute, before Alan Minda repeated the feat seven minutes later. Gonzalo Plata also forced goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into action with a powerful drive midway through the second period.
The result leaves Côte d’Ivoire level on points with Germany, who thrashed Curacao 7-1 earlier in the day. Despite the match taking place within driving distance of New York and New Jersey, home to an estimated 600,000 Ecuadorian Americans, the dominant La Tricolor supporters left the stadium disappointed as the youngest squad at the tournament announced their arrival on the world stage.