Amad Diallo's 90th-minute strike gives Ivory Coast a 1-0 World Cup win over Ecuador
NBC News—Manchester United's Amad Diallo came off the bench to score in the 90th minute, giving Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their World Cup opener in Philadelphia. Ecuador controlled much of the match, with Enner Valencia impressive, but could not convert their chances. The result gave Ivory Coast their first World Cup win in 12 years and marked Africa's first victory of the 2026 tournament. Ecuador's coach called the result unjust.
- NBC News — Ecuador controlled the first half; coach called result unjust after Ivory Coast struck late in World Cup opener.
- AllAfrica — Substitute Diallo scored the only goal to beat Ecuador 1-0 in Philadelphia; Africa's first victory of the 2026 World Cup.
- France 24 — Germany and Sweden also scored freely at the World Cup on the same day Ivory Coast edged Ecuador in stoppage time.
- France 24 — First World Cup win for Ivory Coast since 2014; Diallo's late strike secured all three points in a tight Group match.
- France 24 — Ivory Coast beats Ecuador 1-0 in World Cup game
- Al Jazeera — Ecuador had controlled much of the match but Diallo broke through with a clinical left-footed shot in the final minute.
- NBC News — Ecuador's partisan crowd in Philadelphia couldn't prevent defeat as Diallo's 90th-minute strike ended their hopes of an opening win.
- BBC — Diallo's superb late goal was a moment of individual brilliance that decided a tight game against Ecuador.