Ecuador return to the World Cup looking to build on an impressive unbeaten run, while Ivory Coast are back on footballs biggest stage for the first time since 2014 when the two nations meet in Philadelphia on Sunday.With Germany expected to lead Group E, this opening fixture could prove decisive in the battle for the knockout rounds.Ivory Coast arrive in the United States after winning four consecutive matches and Emerse Faes side are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history after previous group-stage exits in 2006, 2010 and 2014.Ecuador, meanwhile, have quietly become one of the most difficult teams to beat in international football. Since Sebastian Beccacece took charge following a defeat to Brazil two years ago, La Tri have gone 19 matches unbeaten in all competitions. Table of ContentsTeam news for Ivory Coast v EcuadorExpected line-ups for Ivory Coast v EcuadorWhere to watch Ivory Coast v Ecuador: TV and online streamsStats for Ivory Coast v EcuadorPrediction for Ivory Coast v EcuadorResponsible GamblingTeam news for Ivory Coast v EcuadorIvory Coast are expected to be without Roma defender Evan Ndicka, who has been sidelined by a thigh injury since last months Rome derby and remains a major doubt for the Group E opener.Fae has several attacking options available, with Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra, Nicolas Pepe and highly-rated winger Yan Diomande all competing for starting places. With Sebastien Haller omitted from the squad, Elye Wahi, Evan Guessand and Ange-Yoan Bonny are battling to lead the line.Ecuadors main fitness concern surrounds captain Enner Valencia. The veteran striker is considered a minor doubt but is expected to be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before kick-off.Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo will be central to Ecuadors plans, while Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho and teenage star Kendry Paez provide quality throughout the spine of the team.Expected line-ups for Ivory Coast v EcuadorIvory Coast predicted XI: Y. Fofana; Doue, Agbadou, Kossounou, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Guessand, DiomandeEcuador predicted XI: Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Caicedo, Vite; Yeboah, Plata, Angulo; ValenciaWhere to watch Ivory Coast v Ecuador: TV and online streamsIvory Coast versus Ecuador kicks off tomorrow at midnight UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the iPlayer.ClickHEREfor a full World Cup TV guideStats for Ivory Coast v EcuadorIvory Coast will be making their fourth appearance at the World Cup, their first since 2014. They have yet to progress past the group stage.Ivory Coast did not concede a single goal in their 10 qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup; they were one of only two teams in the CAF qualifiers to achieve that feat alongside Tunisia.Fifteen different players scored for Ivory Coast in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, more than any other nation (Tunisia next on 14).This will be Ecuadors fifth participation at a World Cup. The only time they reached the knockout stages was in 2006 they were eliminated by England in the round of 16.Only two of Ecuadors previous 13 matches at the World Cup have ended in a draw (W5 L6). Theyve only lost one of their last five matches, against Senegal at the last World Cup (1-2).Ecuador finished second behind Argentina in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, equalling their best ever performance in a qualifying campaign for the tournament (also 2002).They also boasted the strongest defense in the section, conceding just five goals across 18 matches, and lost the fewest matches (2 away defeats against Argentina & Brazil).Prediction for Ivory Coast v EcuadorEcuadors defensive record makes them extremely difficult opponents, but Ivory Coast possess enough attacking quality to create opportunities against even the most organised backlines.The South Americans rarely lose and tend to keep games tight, while the Elephants have enough talent in wide areas to threaten throughout. With qualification likely to be decided over the next two group matches, a cautious and competitive draw looks the most likely outcome.Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-1 EcuadorResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare:www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware:gambleaware.orgGamStop:www.gamstop.co.uk(free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. 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