World Cup 2026 Group E Preview: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador

Germany has their work cut out for them if they are looking to top Group E. When you talk about dark horses at the 2026 World Cup, Ecuador is at the top of the list, La Tri have the ability to go far. Ivory Coast are one of the best teams in Africa, and Curaçao are bar none the best story of the competition (they also have the best away jersey of the bunch). Here's what to know.

Germany (Die Mannschaft)

Coach Julian Nagelsmann

Hot take. Historically world-beaters, I don't think this Germany team can make it much further than the round of 16.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Germany were bounced from the group stage the last two World Cups, in 2018 and 2022."

Word from home. Somber expectations from the German press:

"With this squad, even reaching the quarterfinal would be a success." Sportschau

The story. Lennart Karl being ruled out of the World Cup is the biggest story since selection. Much was made at home of Nagelsmann's selections, including Sané and Neuer, but Karl, who was a fringe pick, was sure to be one of the most exciting young players. Germany will miss his dynamism.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer says it would be a shock if Germany didn't advance, 96.1 percent to reach the round of 32 and 59.9 percent to top the group.

One thing to read. Man vs. Machine, Grantland (2014).

Curaçao (The Blue Wave)

Coach Dick Advocaat

Hot take. One of the best stories in soccer, and absolutely the best away jersey at the 2026 World Cup.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Curaçao are the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Dick Advocaat will also become the oldest head coach in WC history, at 78 years old."

Word from home. Advocaat after the small nation reached qualification:

"After a performance like that, you're tempted to say this is the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced..." Dick Advocaat, Flashscore

The story. The story is getting to the World Cup, everything else is an added bonus. This is the kind of moment that can change the soccer trajectory for an entire nation.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Curaçao a 19.0% chance of the knockouts, second-lowest of all 48 teams.

One thing to read. No longer in the shadows, The European Correspondent (2025).

Côte d'Ivoire (Les Éléphants)

Coach Emerse Faé

Hot take. Stout defense and young attackers like Yan Diomande, Ivory Coast has all the makings of a Cinderella story.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Côte d'Ivoire did not concede a single goal across all 10 of their World Cup qualifiers."

Word from home. Emerse Faé setting the tone:

"We're not going there just to make up the numbers." Emerse Faé, 7info

The story. Much of this team is built on the backbone of the 2023 AFCON winning squad, with a balance between youth and experience.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives the Ivorians a 64.2 percent chance of the round of 32, though they have never reached the knockouts in three previous appearances.

One thing to read. The Legend of Les Éléphants, Grantland (2014).

Ecuador (La Tri)

Coach Sebastián Beccacece

Hot take. Ecuador will be one of the toughest outs at the tournament. They are built to grind, and with a few strokes of luck, could make the quarterfinals.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Ecuador is built on stout defense and allowed only five goals across CONMEBOL qualification."

Word from home. From La Tri's official squad reveal:

"These 26 carry the same hunger as 18 million Ecuadorians." Ecuadorian Football Federation, Teleamazonas

The story. This team is built on a young, European-based core of Moises Caicedo, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez and teenager Kendry Páez.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Ecuador clear second favorites to advance at 86.9 percent.

One thing to read. Afro-Ecuadorians and the Beating Heart of Soccer Culture in El Chota Valley, Remezcla (2015).

Group E: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Sun, Jun 14: Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador, 7:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 20: Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire, 4:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Thu, Jun 25: Ecuador vs Germany, 4:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.