Ecuador
Ecuador arrived at the 2026 World Cup on the crest of a wave and an unbeaten run that stretched 19 matches… that run came to a devastating end when Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to claim victory for Ivory Coast.
That defeat to “The Elephants” was the first suffered by Sebastien Beccacece’s side in two years since they lost 1-0 to Brazil in CONMEBOL Qualifying.
They return to action on Saturday in Kansas City facing what is perceived to be the weakest team in the Group in Curacao, an unimaginable defeat here would leave them on the brink of elimination.
Victory here however will close the gap on Germany & Ivory Coast who meet in the other group game in Toronto and leave their fate in there own hands going into the final game vs Germany
Injuries & Team News
Both Kendry Paez and Jordy Caicedo were expected to be starters at this world cup but they both sat out the Ivory Coast game and that looks like it will be the case again here against Curacao.
Beccacece, despite defeat is not expected to change his formation or starting team to face Curacao, Pedro Vito played very well after being preferred to Pervis Estupinan at left wing back and he will keep his place.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-1 vs Ivory Coast | D L L L W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Ecuador (3-4-3):
Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Minda, Franco, Caicedo, Vite; Plata, E. Valencia, Yeboah
Curacao
Despite a 7-1 loss to Germany in the opening Group F match last week there was actually a few positives for Curacao, they held there own for a large period of the first half and did get back level at one stage.
2 Goals just before half time knoked the stuffing out of them and from there on the Germans asserted there dominance on the match to run out comfortable winners.
Dick Advocaat made history during that game becoming the oldest man to coach at a World Cup Tournament, in a weird quirk he will lose that record and then regain it before this match.
Injuries & Team News
Advocaat went with a tried and tested back three in the friendies before the tournament but surprisingly went to a back four against the Germans. It clearly didn’t work so don’t be too shocked to see them revert to a back three.
Middlesbrough forward Sontje Hansen was replaced by Jeremy Antonisse at half-time, not to great effect. It could well be that Hansen retains his spot but the experienced Gervane Kastaneer is also pushing for a start alongside Kenji Gorre and Tyrese Noslin.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-7 vs Germany | L W W W L D |
Predicted Line-Up
Curacao (4-1-2-1-2):
Room; Floranus, Bazoer, Obispo, Fonville; L. Bacuna; J. Bacuna, Comenencia; Chong; Locadia, Kastaneer
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Ecuador Win | 16/100 (1.16) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 11/1 (12.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Curacao Win | 28/1 (29.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Ecuador 2-0 Curacao
Two teams in need of a win to maintain hopes of qualifying after opening day losses but lets not get carrried away, there is a big difference in quality between these teams, Ecuador don’t score many but they will get a couple to win this comfortably.