BREAKING: Ivory Coast Vs Ecuador World Cup 2026 Line-Ups Confirmed [FULL LIST]
Belief will be high in both camps as Ivory Coast and Ecuador get their respective World Cup campaigns under way in Philadelphia on Sunday.
It’s been a while since the Elephants could call upon the services of genuine superstars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, but Emerse Fae’s side come into the competition determined to start strongly having won their last four matches.
The African side have never gone beyond the group stage in three attempts but, given the expanded format this time round, there will be abundant confidence that they can make history in North America.
Ecuador, meanwhile, have once previously had a taste of World Cup knockout football when they were eliminated by England in the Round of 16 two decades ago.
However, this time they boast arguably their greatest ever squad, with the likes of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, recent Premier League winner Piero Hincapie, and Willian Pacho, a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, among their ranks.
Plus, in teenager Kendry Paez, La Tri have a possible break-out star.
Sebastian Beccacece’s men were mightily impressive in qualifying, reaching the finals behind only holders Argentina in the standings and will arrive in the US intent on turning a few heads.
Ivory Coast team news
Ivory Coast XI: Yahia Fofana, Guela Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan, Diomande, Seko Fofana, Kessie, Toure, Pepe, Wahi
Ecuador team news
Ecuador XI: Galindez, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Vite, Caicedo, Franco, Minda, Yeboah, Valencia, Plata
