🇪🇨 Ecuador vs 🇨🇼 Curaçao

Ecuador have qualified for the World Cup four times and always go out early — but they're improving. Their Copa América campaigns have become more competitive and the squad has a real core of young, hungry players who know they're getting better.

Enner Valencia is 34 and was Ecuador's top scorer at the last two World Cups. This will be his final tournament. He remains the focal point of the attack even as younger players take on more responsibility. The baton is being passed in real time.

They're in Group E with Germany, Curaçao and Ivory Coast. A tough group, but Ecuador knocking out Germany would be a genuine upset — and they beat Germany in a 2023 warm-up tournament, which Germany definitely haven't forgotten.

Ecuador's domestic league has improved significantly over the last decade. Players are developing better technically before moving to Europe, and the quality of the squad reflects a gradual but real upward trajectory.

The country is deeply passionate about football but hasn't historically had the infrastructure to match that passion. The current generation is the most talented Ecuador has sent to a major tournament. That means something, even if it doesn't guarantee results.

Curaçao are at their first ever World Cup — a Caribbean island of 150,000 people. One hundred and fifty thousand people. They qualified for the greatest football tournament on earth. If you want a feel-good story at this World Cup, start here.

They qualified through CONCACAF against Panama, Honduras and Jamaica — serious football nations in the region. This wasn't a gift or a lucky draw. They earned it in proper competition.

Curaçao are in Group E with Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. They will be heavy underdogs in every single game. Their players will also be at the World Cup, which is more than almost everyone who has ever played football can say.

Several of their players have Dutch heritage and played youth football in the Netherlands — which gives the squad a tactical sophistication you might not expect from a Caribbean island of 150,000 people.

Leandro Bacuna, who has played in the Premier League and Championship, is one of their most recognisable players internationally. He brings real experience of high-level European football and will be the name people look up after their first group game.