Ecuador face Germany, Ivory Coast and Curaçao in World Cup Group E

Ecuador head into the 2026 World Cup grouped with Germany, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao in Group E. Sebastián Beccacece's side arrives in strong form after a convincing friendly win over Guatemala, where VfB Stuttgart midfielder Arevalo caught the eye by striking the woodwork. Beccacece used that final pre-tournament match to rotate heavily, giving minutes to squad players while potentially keeping tactical cards close to his chest. With the opener against Ivory Coast looming, Ecuador's momentum is building at the right moment, though navigating past Germany and a dangerous Ivorian side will demand Beccacece's strongest eleven from the start.