World Cup 2026: Ecuador and Ivory Coast play out goalless first half

Ecuador and the Ivory Coast headed to the break with 0-0 at half-time in their FIFA World Cup Group E game, underway here at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia.

Ecuador looked threatening, keeping more possession, and attempting six shots, but no one on target. The Elephants on the other side had one shot on target in the same number of efforts.

Both teams are trying to earn three points to fancy their chances of advancing to the next round.

Ivory Coast have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, having failed to return to the elite football tournament in both 2014 and 2018.

Ecuador and the Ivory Coast will compete with debutants Curaçao and four-time champion Germany in Group F.

The Elephants are coming on the back of some strong performances; they defeated South Korea, Scotland, and even France in warm-up matches. But Ecuador is also not an easy team to beat. Sebastian Beccacece's side has not lost in 19 games, last tasting defeat in 2024.

Despite going into South American qualifying after being penalised for fielding an ineligible player, which cost them three points, Ecuador still managed to finish in second place, only trailing Argentina.

Ivory Coast starting XI

Yahia Fofana, Ghislain Konan, Wilfried Singo, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Yan Diomande, Elye Wahi, Guela Doue, Nicolas Pépé, Emmanuel Agbadou, Bazoumana Touré

Ecuador starting XI

Hernán Galíndez, Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, John Yeboah, Enner Valencia, Alan Minda, Pedro Vite, Gonzalo Plata, Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo