African champions Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1–0 in Philadelphia in the other Group E opener — the result that left Ecuador chasing, and set up their frustrated, 28-shot stalemate with Curaçao six days later.

Despite ceding marginally more possession (48% to Ecuador's 52%), Ivory Coast were the more dangerous side, out-creating Ecuador on xG (1.52 to 1.01) and dominating the territorial battle with 39 touches in the opposition box to just 16. The numbers tell a story of fine margins rather than control: Ecuador put only 1 of their 12 shots on target yet hit the woodwork three times (Yeboah, Valencia and Minda), so their 1.01 xG flattered a profligate, post-rattling display rather than a goalkeeping masterclass. Ivory Coast were sharper with their 4 shots on target and ultimately needed a 90th-minute Amad Diallo finish — substitute impact, not first-half flow — to convert their xG edge into the three points and end Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run. The card count (3 Ivorian yellows to 1) reflects a niggly, fragmented contest in which neither side broke clear until the very last act.