![Ivory Coast returns to the FIFA World Cup stage after 12 years, securing a thrilling victory in their group stage opener. [Photo=Yonhap News·Reuters]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/06/15/20260615105103689645.jpg)
Ivory Coast marked its return to the FIFA World Cup after 12 years with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening match of the group stage.
On June 15, local time, Ivory Coast triumphed at the Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the first match of Group E at the 2026 North America World Cup.
Having last participated in the World Cup in 2014, Ivory Coast increased its chances of advancing past the group stage for the first time. In previous tournaments in 2006, 2010, and 2014, the team was eliminated in the group stage.
This year's tournament features an expanded format with 48 teams, allowing the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, to advance to the knockout stage. In the earlier match in Group E, Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1, placing them at the top of the group, while Ivory Coast sits in second.
During the first half, Ivory Coast faced two significant threats from Ecuador. In the 23rd minute, a left-footed shot from John Yeboah struck the crossbar. Then, in the 30th minute, a shot from Alan Minda also hit the woodwork, narrowly avoiding a goal.
In the second half, Ivory Coast intensified its attack and scored a dramatic winning goal just before the end of regulation time in the 45th minute. Wilfried Singo broke down Ecuador's right defense and delivered a low, fast cross into the penalty area. Amad Diallo received the pass and finished with a precise left-footed shot, making it 1-0.
Ivory Coast successfully held on during seven minutes of stoppage time to secure the 1-0 victory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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