Ecuador open World Cup against Ivory Coast with Beccacece's best XI expected

World Cup opener: Ivory Coast awaits

Ecuador begin their 2026 World Cup campaign Monday against Ivory Coast in a Group E clash that could define your path to the knockout stage. Both sides enter as dark horses in a group that also features Germany, making this a fixture where points are essential. Kickoff is set for the early hours of Monday, June 15, European time (1) (2).

Beccacece's squad arrives unbeaten and with momentum after a convincing friendly win over Guatemala, but the manager kept his tactical cards close in that final tuneup and is expected to unveil his strongest eleven here (3) (5). Ivory Coast return to the World Cup stage with a point to prove, and Ecuador will need to be sharp from the first whistle.

Beccacece's selection puzzle

The Ecuador manager rotated heavily against Guatemala, giving minutes to squad players unlikely to start in the opener. That means the lineup against Ivory Coast will look very different from what fans saw in the final friendly. Arevalo made his case in midfield by striking the woodwork against Guatemala, but Beccacece's core group remains the question. He kept strategies in reserve during the Generalprobe, and Monday will show what he's been holding back (3) (5). Expect a settled, first-choice side built to absorb Ivory Coast's threats and hit with pace.

Fan-reaktioner

Ecuador fans have made their presence felt in Philadelphia, swarming the famous Rocky Steps and even draping an Ecuador shirt over the Rocky statue. Some supporters raised concerns about whether the stunt crosses a line, but the images circulating on Reddit show a traveling fanbase that's turning heads ahead of kickoff. See the Rocky Steps takeover