Philadelphia, June 15: Ivory Coast secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, thanks to a last-minute goal by Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. The match took place at the Philadelphia Stadium on Monday.
The game appeared headed for a goalless draw until Diallo, who came on as a substitute, struck a stunning shot in the 90th minute, marking Ivory Coast’s first World Cup win since 2014. This victory places Ivory Coast in second place in Group E, following Germany, which leads after a 7-1 win against Curacao on Sunday.
Ecuador created several promising chances in the first half, with John Yeboah hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot. Shortly after, Allan Minda also came close to scoring, but his attempt was thwarted by the bar as well, causing Ecuador to miss early opportunities to take the lead.
Ivory Coast also posed threats, with Yan Diomande showcasing impressive play on the right flank, consistently pressuring the opposing defense. A swift shot from Bazoumana Traore was expertly saved by Ecuador’s goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, preventing a goal. Notably, Diomande became the first teenager to play a World Cup match for Ivory Coast at just 19 years and 212 days old.
Both teams continued to create opportunities in the second half. Ecuador’s veteran player Enner Valencia hit the post with a shot, while Ivory Coast’s Ely Wahi also came close, but his effort hit the crossbar. As the match progressed, Ivory Coast began to dominate possession.
The team maintained relentless attacks, while Ecuador adopted a defensive strategy. Ultimately, in the 90th minute, Amad Diallo seized his chance and scored a remarkable goal, securing a memorable win for his team. With this victory, Ivory Coast gained crucial three points in Group E, bolstering their hopes for advancing to the next round.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.