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Amad Diallo Strikes Late as Ivory Coast Edge Ecuador 1-0 in World Cup 2026 Opener

Ivory Coast kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their Group Stage opening match.

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The high-intensity encounter saw both teams trade dangerous chances, but the deadlock remained unbroken until the final minutes of regular time.

In the 90th minute, Wilfried Singo delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Manchester United star Amad Diallo met it with a brilliant first-time finish using his left foot, slotting the ball into the net to secure a crucial win for the Elephants.

This vital victory boosts Ivory Coast’s dreams of reaching the knockout rounds, aiming to break a long-standing jinx of group-stage exits that has haunted them since 2006.

With this result, Ivory Coast are now tied with Germany at 3 points each in the group standings, though Die Mannschaft hold the top spot on goal difference. Securing just one more point would practically guarantee the African giants a historic spot in the Round of 32, whether as group runners-up or one of the best third-placed teams.