Ecuador arrives at the World Cup on a roll, carrying a 19-game unbeaten streak into Monday’s game against Côte d’Ivoire in Philadelphia.
Not all the games were against high-level competition, but there’s no doubting La Tri’s ability to defend.
Ecuador allowed six goals during its unbeaten streak that dates to September 2024, and has one of the world’s best defensive midfielders in Moises Caicedo, who plays for Chelsea. The back line is anchored by Willian Pacho, who helped lead Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League title over Arsenal.
Côte d’Ivoire has played a bit of defense in its build-up to the country’s first World Cup appearance in 12 years.
The Ivorians didn’t allow a goal through 10 qualifiers and stunned powerhouse France in a friendly earlier this month.
Côte d’Ivoire also has what could be one of the breakout stars of this World Cup in Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old forward who played high school soccer in Florida and has thrived with Lyon in the French league.
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