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

Ivory Coast will play their first World Cup since 2014

The 11th fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take us to the Philadelphia Stadium, where the Ivory Coast will lock horns with Ecuador. This will be the second game of Group E as they will lock horns after the clash between Germany and Curacao. Both teams have a realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout phase and will aim for a win in their opening game.

Ivory Coast are coming into this game after securing an extremely impressive 2-1 victory against France during their warm-up game before the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the tutelage of Emerse Faé, the Ivory Coast have achieved many great things, including winning the 2023 AFCON and going on an unbeaten qualification run for the World Cup.

Ecuador, on the other hand, booked their place in the competition by finishing second in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers, just behind Argentina. They secured two back-to-back wins in their warm-up games against Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Ecuador have one of the youngest squads in the world and are being considered the potential dark horses of the tournament.

Kickoff:

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium

Date: Sunday, 14 June

Kick-off Time: 11:00 PM (GMT) I 07:00 PM (EST) | 15/06/2026 – 04:30 AM (IST)

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Ivory Coast (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-W

Ecuador (in all competitions): W-W-D-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Guéla Doué (Ivory Coast)

The full-back played arguably the best game of his career against France recently, where he registered a goal and an assist. He was exceptional going forward, but was defending his flanks very well, too.  Guéla Doué  is coming to the World Cup on the back of an incredible season with RC Strasbourg and will play a crucial role for the Ivory Coast in this tournament.

Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)

Chelsea’s defensive midfielder is an important part of Ecuador’s national team. He provides a solid foundation to their midfield and sits on top of the backline to neutralize all threats. He is technical as well and can do great things with the ball at his feet. His playmaking is one of his most under-appreciated qualities.

Match Facts:

• This will be the first-ever encounter between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
• Ivory Coast won 2-1 against France in their last game.
• Ecuador won 3-0 against Guatemala in their last game.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Ecuador to win – 2.60 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.44 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 3.5 – 1.54 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Ivory Coast Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Kone, Alban Lafont

Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Christopher Operi, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doue, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Wilfried Singo, Evan Ndicka

Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulai, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Jean Michael Seri

Forwards: Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakite, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pepe, Bazoumana Toure, Elye Wahi

Ecuador Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez, Gonzalo Valle, Moises Ramirez

Defenders: Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Angelo Preciado, Joel Ordóñez, Félix Torres, Jackson Porozo, Yaimar Medina

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Kendry Paez, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Denil Castillo, John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo, Alan Minda

Forwards: Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Jordy Caicedo, Anthony Valencia, Jeremy Arevalo

Head-to-Head:

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two nations.

Predicted Lineups:

Ivory Coast (4-4-2)

Fofana (GK); Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diakite, Kessie, Fofana, Diomande; Wahi, Adingra

Ecuador (3-4-1-2)

Galíndez (GK); Franco, Pacho, Torres; Minda, M. Caicedo, Valencia, Medina; Arevalo; Paez, J. Caicedo

Match Prediction:

The encounter between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador is expected to be close. Both teams have great players among their ranks. However, considering their recent form, our prediction for the winner will be,

Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-3 Ecuador

Telecast details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.