Tournament dark horses Ivory Coast and Ecuador meet tonight in an intriguing World Cup Group E encounter.
Although Germany are favourites to win the pool, these two teams should make it a three-way tussle for top spot.
The Elephants can call on sparkling young talents such as Amad Diallo and the highly coveted Yan Diomande while Ecuador finished second in the Conmebol qualifying section, ahead of Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia.
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Where to watch Ivory Coast v Ecuador
Ivory Coast versus Ecuador kicks off at midnight UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the iPlayer.
Click HERE for a full World Cup TV guide
Stats for Ivory Coast v Ecuador
- Ivory 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 Ecuador’s 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 Ecuador’s previous 13 matches at the World Cup have ended in a draw (W5 L6). They’ve 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).
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