The historic undefeated streak of Sebastián Becaccece's Ecuador came to an end. The 'Tri' was close for much of the game, created chances, took risks and seemed to have more offensive arguments, but ended up leaving without reward. A goal in the 90th minute changed the outcome in Philadelphia and gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory in the debut of both teams in Group E of the 2026 World Cup.

When the match was already heading towards the first goalless draw of the tournament, Amad Diallo appeared to break the balance and secure the three points for the African team. The 23-year-old Manchester United forward defined the match in the final stretch and placed his team at the top of the group.

Until this Sunday, the team led by Beccacece had accumulated 19 consecutive games without losing, the longest streak recorded by Ecuador. The last fall dates back to September 6, 2024, when they lost 1-0 against Brazil in the South American Qualifiers, precisely in the debut of the Argentine coach at the head of La Tri.

Ecuador generated more, but Ivory Coast found the goal

During several moments of the match, Ecuador showed greater offensive intention and found ways to get closer to the rival area, although without the necessary precision to reflect it on the scoreboard.

In the first half, Enner Valencia had two clear opportunities that ended up hitting the crossbar. The attempts fueled the feeling that the goal could come for the South American team, but the goal remained closed.

Already in the complement, Gonzalo Plata brought Ecuador closer again with a shot in the 69th minute that was contained by Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The lack of forcefulness ended up becoming the great obstacle for La Tri, which also added an unfavorable record in the history of the World Cups.

With three balls hitting the posts during the match, Ecuador became part of the small group of teams that lost a World Cup match after hitting three or more shots on the woodwork. Before, it had happened with Belgium against the USSR in 1970, Italy against Brazil in 1978, Brazil against Argentina in 1990 and the United States against Iran in 1998, according to statistician Alexis Martín Tamayo.

The result left Germany as leader of Group E thanks to its better goal difference after the 7-1 over Curacao. Ivory Coast was second with three points, while Ecuador and the Caribbean team remain without points.

The fall also maintained an adverse trend for the Ecuadorian team in World Cups: La Tri continues without being able to defeat an African team in the tournament, after the elimination suffered against Senegal in Qatar 2022.

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