Group E
4 teams competing for two round-of-32 spots
Teams
Group Analysis
Group E is widely considered the group of death, with Germany, Ecuador, C么te d'Ivoire, and Cura莽ao. Germany arrive as one of the favorites for the title with a young, dynamic squad featuring Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Ecuador are one of the strongest South American sides with a settled squad. C么te d'Ivoire are the highest-ranked African side in the group. Cura莽ao make their historic World Cup debut as the smallest nation ever to qualify.
Favorites to Advance
- Germany (talent depth, World Cup pedigree)
- Ecuador (CONMEBOL experience, Caicedo)
Dark Horses
- C么te d'Ivoire (Africa Cup champions)
- Cura莽ao (Advocaat experience)
Predictions
1. Germany, 2. Ecuador, 3. C么te d'Ivoire, 4. Cura莽ao. Germany should top the group with the quality of their squad. Ecuador's South American experience should see them through. C么te d'Ivoire will be competitive but likely fall just short.
Head-to-Head History
Germany and Ecuador have met once at the World Cup, in 2006 group stage, with Germany winning 3-0. Germany and C么te d'Ivoire have never met at the World Cup. Ecuador and Cura莽ao have never met at the tournament.