By Samuel Akpan
Africa achieved its first-ever victory at the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada when Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in the early hours of Monday, courtesy of a 90th-minute strike from Manchester United forward Ahmad Diallo.
The victory propelled Ivory Coast to second position in Group E, behind leaders Germany who had earlier whitewashed debutants Curacao 7-1.
Persecondnews reports that it was a day of contrasting fortunes for African teams, however, as Tunisia were hammered 5-1 by Sweden in Group F, becoming only the second side to suffer a five-goal defeat after Germany’s thrashing of Curacao the previous night.
Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari, born in Sweden to a Tunisian father and Moroccan mother, scored a brace that included a spectacular strike.
After finding the net he raised his hands in apology, a gesture of respect for his father’s homeland despite representing Sweden.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak and Arsenal forward Victor Gyokeres also scored as Sweden dominated.
The result leaves Tunisia bottom of Group F with a four-goal deficit in goal difference, and they still face the Netherlands and Japan in their remaining group matches.
Elsewhere, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0, Australia beat Turkey 2-0 and the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan on Sunday, completing the opening round of results.
Later on Monday, Egypt will take on Belgium in what promises to be an explosive encounter at 8pm, while Cape Verde face tournament favourites Spain at 5pm in a contest widely likened to the biblical David versus Goliath story.