2026 World Cup: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, probable lineups

Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador is a match in the first round of Group E of the 2026 World Cup: it kicks off at 1:00 a.m. (Italian time) in Philadelphia. The Elephants and the South Americans are vying to be the “anti-Germany” and claim first place in Group E, and a win could already be decisive for advancing to the next round, considering that the fourth team in the group is the underdog Curaçao.

Ivory Coast takes the field with the Diallo-Guessand-Diomandé trio up front, brimming with talent and speed. Inter Milan’s Bonny is expected to start on the bench. In midfield are Sangaré, veteran Kessié, and Oulai. The Ivorians have won their last four friendlies, including a surprise victory over France.

Beccacece’s Tricolor line up with Yeboah, Valencia, and Plata up front. In midfield are Vite, Caicedo, and Franco, while the fullbacks will be Preciado and Hincapie. A tough-tackling side, Ecuador is unbeaten in 19 matches: their last defeat came in 2024 against Brazil.

Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, probable lineups
IVORY COAST (4-3-3): Fofana; Douè, Kossonou, Agbadou, Konan; Sangaré, Kessié, Oulai; Diallo, Guessand, Diomandé. Coach: Fae.
ECUADOR (4-3-3): Galindez; Preciado, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Vite, Caicedo, Franco; Yeboah, Valencia, Plata. Head Coach: Beccacece.