2026 World Cup, Group E Final Matchday: What Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao Need

It’s the decisive night for Group E of the 2026 World Cup in North America. At 10 p.m., Ecuador vs. Germany and Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast are scheduled, which will wrap up the group stage. Germany has already qualified and is assured of first place in the standings: Nagelsmann’s team crushed Curaçao 7-1 in their opener, then came from behind to beat the group’s most formidable rival, the Ivory Coast, 2-1.

The Elephants are the favorites to finish in second place: a win against Curaçao—or even a draw—would be enough for the African team to qualify for the Round of 16 as the group’s runner-up. A loss, on the other hand, would put everything at risk.

The situation is far more challenging for Ecuador: after losing their opener to the Ivorians, the South Americans pulled off a sensational draw against Curaçao, and now they must beat Germany to have any hope of qualifying as the second-place team (but that would require a loss by the Ivory Coast to Curaçao) or as one of the best third-place teams. A draw or a loss to the Germans would eliminate them.

Curaçao, which has already won the tournament’s “fan favorite” award after its splendid draw with Ecuador, must go in search of a miracle: if they beat the Ivory Coast, they could qualify as the second-place team, but they must hope that the South Americans—who hold the advantage in goal difference—do not beat Germany. A draw or a loss would mean elimination.