Ivory Coast beats Ecuador 1‑0 with Amad Diallo’s late strike

Ivory Coast secured a 1‑0 victory over Ecuador in a World Cup 2026 group‑stage match on 15 June. The winning goal came in first‑half injury time when Manchester United forward Amad Diallo, who entered the game at the 56th minute, slotted home after a swift attack down the right flank. The goal marked the first time an Asian‑based player’s national side defeated a South American representative at a World Cup. Both teams posted low expected‑goals (xG) figures – 1.03 for Ivory Coast and 1.68 for Ecuador – and the match featured multiple shots that hit the woodwork. The win gave Ivory Coast three points, strengthening their position in Group E and improving their chances of advancing to the knockout stage, while Ecuador were left needing points from their remaining games.