Côte d’Ivoire made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by defeating Ecuador 1-0 in the closing moments of a tense and closely contested match in Philadelphia.

In Group E action on Sunday, the Elephants secured a narrow victory over Ecuador thanks to a late winner from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute.

The 23-year-old Manchester United forward, who came off the bench just after the hour mark, delivered the decisive blow with a slightly mishit left-footed strike from the edge of the box after being set up by winger Wilfried Singo. Earlier in the match, the crossbar had been struck three times—twice by Ecuador and once by Côte d’Ivoire—in front of a near-capacity crowd of 68,274 spectators at Lumen Stadium.

Backed by a large and passionate crowd, Ecuador came close to opening the scoring in the first half when John Yeboah (23rd minute) and Alan Minda (30th minute) both rattled the crossbar. Côte d’Ivoire, who struggled to gain control in midfield during much of the opening period, finally threatened in stoppage time through efforts from Bazoumana Touré and Nicolas Pépé.

Germany Next on June 20

After the break, Elye Wahi hit the crossbar following a pass from Yan Diomandé in the 51st minute. Ecuador also created a major chance, but Gonzalo Plata’s effort was brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana in the 68th minute.

The victory keeps alive Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Elephants now join Germany at the top of Group E. The tournament favorites were ruthless earlier in the day, crushing newcomers Curaçao 7-1. Côte d’Ivoire will face the Mannschaft on June 20 in Toronto, while Ecuador’s “La Tri” will travel to Kansas City looking to improve their goal difference against Curaçao.