Form and Line-up Ivory Coast
This winter, Emerse Fae's team failed to retain their status as the strongest national side on their continent. At the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Egypt (2:3), having conceded three times by the start of the second half. The Elephants were exposed by Egypt's counter-attacking style, even though their opponents accumulated only 0.78 xG and had just 29% possession. Then the March and June international windows brought the orange team nothing but success. Ivory Coast's win over France at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes (2:1) stands out. Fae's team turned the match around with substitutions: Pepe and Diallo each made a goal contribution off the bench, while defender Doue recorded 1+1 after playing the full 90 minutes.
Key numbers for Ivory Coast:
The Elephants have conceded only one goal in their last four matches.
Ivory Coast have the most expensive squad among African teams at World Cup 2026. Their value has exceeded 500 million euros (522.1).
Ivory Coast missed the last two World Cups. They have never progressed from the group stage at the tournament.
Probable Ivory Coast line-up
(4-3-3): Yahia Fofana - Wilfried Singo, Ousmane Diomande, Odilon Kossounou, Guela Doue - Seko Fofana, Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie - Amad Diallo, Elye Wahi, Yan Diomande.
Absentees: Evan Ndicka (injury).
Form and Line-up Ecuador
The Tricolor pleased neutral fans with a bright performance at the Qatar World Cup 2022. Back then, Ecuador beat Qatar in the opening match of the tournament (2:0) and then avoided defeat against the Netherlands (1:1). The team did not get out of the group, but with the new format they would certainly have reached the playoffs. Under Sebastian Beccacece, the players have kept the pragmatic style that brought a historic achievement. In qualifying for World Cup 2026, Ecuador finished second in the South American section, behind only reigning world champions Argentina. Incidentally, in the final round of qualifying, the Tricolor beat the Albiceleste at home (1:0). In two friendlies before the start of the group stage, the South Americans dealt with Saudi Arabia (2:1) and Guatemala (3:0).
Key numbers for Ecuador:
Beccacece's team finished South American qualifying for World Cup 2026 with the best defence. They conceded only five goals in 18 games.
In qualifying for World Cup 2026, Ecuador played Under 2.5 goals 14 times. Only Peru did so more often (15).
Ecuador have taken part in the World Cup five times. The national team have reached the playoffs only once.
Probable Ecuador line-up
(3-4-1-2): Hernan Galindez - Piero Hincapie, Jackson Porozo, Joel Ordonez - Pervis Estupinan, Anthony Valencia, Moises Caicedo, Angelo Preciado - Gonzalo Plata - Nilson Angulo, Kendry Paez.
Who will referee the match
François Letexier (France)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2025–2026);
Average fouls per match – 21;
Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 2.9;
Matches with a straight red card – 1 out of 12;
Matches with a penalty – 4 out of 12.














