The trend of… last-minute surrender at the 2026 World Cup continued in Philadelphia. Ivory Coast reached the… 90th minute to celebrate Amad Diallo’s goal, which closed the gap on Ecuador (1-0) in their meeting at Philadelphia Stadium – in Group 5 – in one of the most exciting games of the tournament. Thus, Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten streak dating back to September 2024 came to an end. In the first half, Ecuador saw its efforts… stop on the post twice (Yeboah 23′, Minda 30′), while Ivory Coast threatened from the wings, especially through Yann Diomonte. 
 The goals continued in the replay, 46′ Valencia (abroad), the first for Ecuador and 52′ Wuhai, the third for the Africans, as the action and opportunities continued in both regions. And while everything … pointed to the first “white” draw of the tournament, Manchester United midfielder, Amad Diallo, coming off the bench in the 56′, 34 minutes later formed an ideal finale for the “Elephants”, who finally managed to defeat a national team from South America in a World Cup. 
 Lafon (Ivory Coast / former Panathinaikos) and Ramires (Ecuador / Kifissia) sat on the bench.

 Referee: François Letessier (France)
 Yellows: S. Fofana, Kessier, Douet-Porosso
 Reds:-

The lineups of the teams:
 Ivory Coast (Emers Faé): G. Fofana (77′ Sangare), Konan, Shingo, Due (89′ Kosunu), Agbadou, S. Fofana, Kessie, Diomande, Wahi (56′ Boni), Pepe (77′ Oulay), Toure (56′ Diallo)
 Ecuador (Sebastian Becasese): Galindes, Incapie, Ordonez, Pacho, Minda (56′ Angulo), Vité, Franco (62′ Poroso), Caicedo, Yeboa (62′ Preciado), Valencia (77′ Rodriguez), Plata