Amad Diallo came off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner, sending Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E opener and ending Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run.

The Manchester United winger was a surprise omission from coach Emerse Fae's starting eleven but wasted no time making his mark after replacing Bazoumana Toure in the 55th minute. His decisive moment came in the final minute of normal time, when a lung-busting run from Wilfried Singo down the right flank created the space for Diallo to sidefoot the ball beyond goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.

Ecuador's early dominance goes unrewarded

The South Americans produced a lively opening half-hour that defied many pre-match expectations. John Yeboah and Alan Minda both struck the crossbar within the first 30 minutes as Ecuador controlled possession and pressed high, threatening to set the tone for the entire contest.

However, Ecuador could not sustain that early intensity and gradually ceded control to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions. Ivory Coast's Yan Diomande was a constant threat throughout the match, though he struggled to add the finishing touch his industry deserved.

Ivory Coast find their rhythm late

Fae's side came close through Elye Wahi, who rattled the woodwork in the second half before the introductions of Amad and Ange-Yoan Bonny injected fresh urgency into the Ivory Coast attack. The final breakthrough ultimately arrived at the death, with Diallo's composed finish sparking wild celebrations among the entire squad.

The victory carries added significance — it came exactly 12 years to the day since Ivory Coast's last World Cup win, and it ends Ecuador's lengthy unbeaten streak at the most damaging possible moment. Group E now has a very clear early frontrunner.