Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy delivered a brutal assessment of the first half between Ecuador and Ivory Coast, claiming the two sides looked as though they had “already agreed on the result” during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E encounter.
The former South African striker, working as a pundit for the BBC, was left frustrated by the lack of attacking intent in a goalless first half in Philadelphia, with both teams seemingly more focused on avoiding defeat than chasing victory.
The match carried significant importance in the battle for qualification after Germany had earlier thrashed Curacao 7-1, a result that increased the pressure on Ecuador and Ivory Coast to secure a positive outcome.
McCarthy suggested the cautious approach from both teams gave the impression that they were content to settle for a draw and leave qualification to be decided in their remaining matches.
“It looks like the German game, they took all the goals and these two are just playing,” McCarthy said.
“It’s like they said: ‘Let’s keep it safe. We can both qualify. Let’s get a point each and then whatever happens against Germany, we both thrash Curacao and then that’s where we pick up our points. Germany goes through top of the group.’
“That’s what it looks like. They’ve already agreed on the result.”
The outspoken remarks from McCarthy, who represented South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and is currently the head coach of Kenya, quickly drew attention as viewers reacted to his unusually direct criticism.
With a place in the knockout rounds still at stake, both Ecuador and Ivory Coast will know that a more aggressive approach may be required in the second half and their remaining Group E fixtures if they hope to progress in the tournament.
