Amad Strikes Late as Côte d'Ivoire Beat Ecuador in Philadelphia

Côte d'Ivoire defeated Ecuador 1–0 at Philadelphia Stadium in their Group E opener. John Yeboah and Alan Minda hit the bar for Ecuador in the first half and Enner Valencia struck the post after the break, while Elye Wahi also clipped the woodwork for the Elephants before substitute Amad Diallo swept in from Wilfried Singo's pass in the 90th minute.

Yan Diomande was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after a lively display on the right flank in his country's first World Cup appearance in 12 years. Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié and Guéla Doué were booked for Côte d'Ivoire and Jackson Porozo for Ecuador in a match that ended 0–0 at half-time with Ecuador edging possession 52% to 48%.

The result puts Côte d'Ivoire level on three points with Germany at the top of Group E. Les Éléphants face the Germans in Toronto on 20 June, while Ecuador meet Curaçao in Kansas City on the same day.