The opening matchday of Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered the kind of drama football fans live for. Ecuador looked poised to take control long before half-time, but a series of missed opportunities ultimately proved costly as Ivory Coast snatched a dramatic late victory thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Amad Diallo.

First Half: Woodwork Comes to Ivory Coast's Rescue

Ecuador wasted no time asserting themselves. Side coach Sebastián Beccacece took the initiative from the opening whistle and pinned their African opponents deep inside their own half. The South Americans produced an energetic and attacking display that challenged the perception of Ecuador as a primarily defensive team.

The breakthrough seemed inevitable during the opening 30 minutes. However, luck was firmly on the side of Ivory Coast. In the 23rd minute, John Yeboah rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from distance. Just seven minutes later, Alan Minda repeated the feat, leaving goalkeeper Yahia Fofana relieved to see the ball stay out.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Ecuador headed into the break frustrated and still searching for an opener.

Second Half: Emerse Fae's Masterstroke Changes the Game

The contest took on a completely different complexion after the interval. Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae made a decisive tactical move in the 55th minute, introducing Manchester United winger Amad Diallo from the bench.

The substitution transformed the match. Ivory Coast began to control possession, dictate the tempo and gradually push Ecuador deeper into their own territory. The African side looked increasingly dangerous, but the decisive touch in front of goal continued to elude them.

As the clock ticked into the final minute of normal time, a goalless draw appeared the most likely outcome. Then came the moment that changed everything.

In the 90th minute, defender Wilfried Singo produced a brilliant surging run down the right flank before delivering a low ball into the penalty area. Arriving at precisely the right moment, Amad Diallo guided a first-time finish into the far corner, sending the Ivory Coast supporters into celebration and securing all three points.

World Cup 2026

Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Diallo, 90 (1:0)

Ivory Coast: Fofana Yahia; Doué G. (Kossounou, 89); Singo; Konan; Agbadou; Fofana S. (Sangaré I., 77); Kessié; Toure B-a (Diallo, 56); Diomande Y.; Wahi (Bonny, 56); Pépé N. (Oulaï Inao, 77)
Substitution: Bonny (from 56); Diallo (from 56); Sangaré I. (from 77); Oulaï Inao (from 77); Kossounou (from 89)
Bench: Kone Moh.; Lafont; Diomande O.; Operi; Ndicka; Seri; Guiagon; Diakité; Adingra; Guessand
Yellow Cards: Fofana S. 28; Kessié 38; Doué G. 40

Ecuador: Galíndez; Hincapie; Ordonez J.; Pacho; Yeboah J. (Preciado An., 63); Franco A. (Porozo, 63); Caicedo M.; Minda (Angulo, 56); Vite; Valencia En. (Rodríguez K., 78); Plata
Substitution: Angulo (from 56); Porozo (from 63); Preciado An. (from 63); Rodríguez K. (from 78)
Bench: Ramírez M.; Valle; Torres Fe.; Estupiñán; Medina Y.; Alcívar; Castillo D.; Valencia A.; Paez; Arevalo; Caicedo J.
Yellow Cards: Porozo 73