Germany
Four-time world champions and desperate to end back-to-back group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Julian Nagelsmann’s side qualified by winning their UEFA group with five wins from six matches and arrive as heavy favourites to top Group E.
The squad blends experience and youth – Joshua Kimmich captains from midfield while Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, makes his first World Cup appearance alongside the returning Jamal Musiala.
Players to watch: Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
Ivory Coast
The youngest squad at the entire tournament with an average age of just 25.35. Emerse Fae has overseen a complete generational overhaul since the Drogba era – and the results are compelling.
Ivory Coast are making their fourth World Cup appearance and carry the highest squad market value of any African team at the tournament.
Players to watch: Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo.
Ecuador
Sebastian Beccacece’s side produced the best defensive record in South American qualifying – conceding just five goals across 18 matches – and arrive as Ecuador’s most organised World Cup squad in years.
Their best ever finish remains the Round of 16 in 2006 – a benchmark they will be targeting again in North America.
Players to watch: Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie.
Curacao
The story of Group E. Curacao make their first ever World Cup appearance – becoming the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament.
At 78, coach Dick Advocaat is the oldest manager in World Cup history. Tahith Chong of Sheffield United is their most recognisable name.
Players to watch: Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna.
Germany are the clear favourites to top Group E. The battle for second place between Ivory Coast and Ecuador is the group’s most compelling storyline – with Curacao hoping to cause a historic upset along the way.
The fixtures
14 Jun: Germany vs Curacao – NRG Stadium, Houston – 19:00 SAST
15 Jun: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 01:00 SAST
20 Jun: Germany vs Ivory Coast – BMO Field, Toronto – 22:00 SAST
21 Jun: Ecuador vs Curacao – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 02:00 SAST
25 Jun: Ecuador vs Germany – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 22:00 SAST
25 Jun: Curacao vs Ivory Coast – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 22:00 SAST
Photo: Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images
