Ecuador predicted lineup vs Ivory Coast for FIFA World Cup 2026

Ecuador have been unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.

Ecuador will start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Sunday, June 14, against the Ivory Coast at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania. The two teams are drawn in Group E of the summer competition alongside Germany and Curacao.

La Tri enjoyed a decent campaign in the CONMEBOL qualifying round, finishing second, above Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. They conceded only five goals and kept 13 clean sheets across 18 games during the qualification stage.

Ecuador’s defence, which includes players from top European sides. Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Piero Hincapié of Arsenal, Pervis Estupiñán of AC Milan, and Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo have been the side’s biggest strength.

Pacho also became the only Ecuadorian player to win the UEFA Champions League after PSG stunned Arsenal in the European tournament final last month. Thus, the team will start their campaign with a lot of confidence as they aim to secure a knockout berth for the second time.

Ecuador have qualified for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions. Their best finish came in 2006, when they reached the Round of 16. Nevertheless, with a young squad steered by seasoned veterans, La Tri are expected to perform well at the upcoming competition.

Also Read: Preview: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Ecuador team news ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against the Ivory Coast

Sebastián Beccacece’s side will start their campaign at full strength. No player is injured or has fitness concerns. Nevertheless, there’s a small doubt over Enner Valencia’s health, but he’s likely to get fit for the fixture.

The Argentine technician is expected to rely on his formidable defence, which has proved itself time after time. Ecuador’s defence against Ivory Coast is expected to include Champions League finalists Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. Pervis Estupinán and Joel Ordóñez are likely to take the other two spots, while Alan Franco can come off the bench.

Hernán Galíndez will keep the gloves, while the goalscoring department will be led by the side’s veteran and leading scorer, Enner Valencia. The 36-year-old has scored 49 goals in 105 appearances for La Tri. Venezia’s John Yeboah is likely to accompany Valencia in the offence.

Ecuador’s predicted line-up vs. the Ivory Coast

Ecuador’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Caicedo, Vite; Yeboah, Plata, Angulo; Valencia

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