Ivory Coast and Ecuador kick off their 2026 World Cup journeys when they meet in Group C at 12am (UK time) on Monday.
The Ivorians return to football’s biggest stage after missing out on the last two World Cups. Despite featuring in three previous tournaments, they have never progressed beyond the group phase, although they did manage to record at least one victory in each appearance. With qualification from Group C expected to be tightly contested, a positive start could prove crucial.
Ecuador arrive at their fifth World Cup and are appearing in back-to-back tournaments for the second time in their history. Their best performance remains a run to the last 16 in 2006, while their two most recent appearances ended in the group stage. Like Ivory Coast, they will view this fixture as an important opportunity to strengthen their chances of finishing as runners-up in the group or securing one of the best third-place spots.
This will be the first ever meeting between these two nations.
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Ivory Coast vs Ecuador team news
Ivory Coast team news
Emerse Fae had to make a change to his initial World Cup squad through injury, with Clement Akpa replaced by Christopher Operi. It’s a significant change, as Akpa had been expected to start at left-back this summer. Operi didn’t start Ivory Coast’s friendly against France in his place, though. Ghislain Konan was on the left and may continue there at the World Cup, with Guela Doue on the right.
Yahia Fofana is firmly Ivory Coast’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting ahead of Alban Lafont and Mohamed Kone. Wilfried Singo and Emmanuel Agbadou appear to have emerged as the starting centre-back pairing. But Odilon Koussounou will be hoping to make an appearance. The midfield setup has changed in recent times, with Fae option for a 4-4-2 against France — as opposed to the three-man system he had been using.
Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana were the central midfield pairing against France, with Oumar Diakite and Yan Diomande on the wings. The latter has been tipped for a breakout tournament, while the likes of Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pepe and Evann Guessand are ready to make an impact from the bench. Elye Wahi will be the main goalscoring outlet, but he has been partnered by Simon Adingra, playing in a more central attacking role.
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Ecuador team news
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece has built a squad that can be flexible in terms of formations. Given the strength Ivory Coast boast in attack, he may opt for a 3-4-3 that will allow them to be defensively solid but also good on the counter. But we’re likely to see some changes from their final friendly starting XI against Guatemala.
Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho will form part of the back three, having both joined the squad late due to the Champions League final. Felix Torres is likely to join them, as the favoured centre-back across the year so far. With a back three, Alan Franco should be pushed into the right wing-back role. While Franco is a central midfielder for his club, he has been operating as a right-sided defender for Ecuador. Pervis Estupinan should start on the left.
Moises Caicedo is another guaranteed starter, having been rested during the pre-tournament friendlies. Anthony Valencia has been favourite this year, so is the most likely to partner Caicedo. Ecuador can be fluid in attack in terms of positions. But Enner Valencia is expected to be the main goalscoring option, joined by Kendry Paez and Gonzalo Plata.
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador predicted lineups
Ivory Coast (4-4-2): Y Fofana; Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diakite, S Fofana, Kessie, Diomande; Adingra, Wahi
Ecuador (3-4-3): Galindez; Pacho, Torres, Hincapie; Franco, A Valencia, M Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Valencia, Paez.
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