Ivory Coast v Ecuador

Live coverage as Ivory Coast and Ecuador play their opening match in Group E at Philadelphia Stadium.

Ivory Coast, known as the Elephants, return after not qualifying for the previous two tournaments. Their golden generation of players failed to get out of the group stage at their three previous World Cups in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo is a key player.

In four previous World Cup appearances, La Tri have made it out of the group stage on one occasion, losing to England in the last 16 in 2006. They conceded just five goals in 18 qualifying games for 2026, the best defensive record of any South American team. Their midfield is anchored by Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.