Ivory Coast began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Sunday, 14 June 2026, at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner, finishing clinically with his left foot after being set up by Wilfried Singo’s driving run. Diallo, who came on in the 56th minute, sealed all three points for the Ivorians in a tightly contested Group E encounter.
The match saw both sides come close on several occasions, with three efforts striking the crossbar before the breakthrough. Ecuador enjoyed periods of dominance and created clear chances, but were ultimately denied by resilient Ivory Coast defending and goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Ivory Coast, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, now shift focus to their next Group E fixture against Germany on 20 June 2026. Ecuador will face Curacao on the same date as the group stage continues.