Belief will be high in both camps as Ivory Coast and Ecuador get their respective World Cup campaigns under way in Philadelphia on Sunday. Its been a while since the Elephants could call upon the services of genuine superstars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, but Emerse Faes side come into the competition determined to start strongly having won their last four matches. The African side have never gone beyond the group stage in three attempts but, given the expanded format this time round, there will be abundant confidence that they can make history in North America. Ecuador, meanwhile, have once previously had a taste of World Cup knockout football when they were eliminated by England in the Round of 16 two decades ago. However, this time they boast arguably their greatest ever squad, with the likes of Chelseas Moises Caicedo, recent Premier League winner Piero Hincapie, and Willian Pacho, a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, among their ranks. Plus, in teenager Kendry Paez, La Tri have a possible break-out star. Sebastian Beccaceces men were mightily impressive in qualifying, reaching the finals behind only holders Argentina in the standings and will arrive in the US intent on turning a few heads. Table of ContentsIvory Coast team newsEcuador team newsWhere to watch Ivory Coast v Ecuador: TV and online streamsStats for Ivory Coast v EcuadorIvory Coast team news The big news from the Ivory Coast camp is the absence of Amad Diallo from the starting team.The Manchester United man only makes the bench, while RB Leipzigs much sought-after winger Yan Diomande starts from the off. Ivory Coast XI: Yahia Fofana, Guela Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan, Diomande, Seko Fofana, Kessie, Toure, Pepe, WahiEcuador team news Premier League stars Caicedo and Hincapie form part of a strong Ecuadorian line-up that also includes PSGs Pacho. Juventus and Inter defensive target Joel Ordonez starts in defence, while Enner Valencia, the vastly-experienced 36-year-old, will lead the line for the South American side. Ecuador XI: Galindez, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Vite, Caicedo, Franco, Minda, Yeboah, Valencia, PlataWhere to watch Ivory Coast v Ecuador: TV and online streamsIvory Coast versus Ecuador kicks off on Sunday 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). Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Ecuador National Football Team Ivory Coast national football team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Netherlands 2-2 Japan: World Cup 2026 report, result, goals as intriguing clash lives up to billing 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 Netherlands v Japan: Three goals in 13 second-half minutes ignite intriguing World Cup clash 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Japan confirmed line-ups and full teams 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Germany vs Curacao confirmed line-ups and full teams 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 Saudi Arabia v Uruguay: Line-ups, stats and preview as Bielsas men aim to avoid upset Nicholas McGee 14th June, 2026 Four years on, can Lionel Messi drag Argentina to another World Cup title? Mitch Fretton 13th June, 2026
