2026 World Cup Group E Guide: Teams, schedule, key player

 This summer's World Cup  will be the biggest ever tournament with 48 teams heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico for what's set to be a memorable month of action. 

One thing is for sure at World Cup time: you never rule out the Germans, and they'll be looking to progress from an eclectic-looking group that also features some World Cup first-timers. 

DAZN News   takes a look at Group E, examining the teams, players and big games across the opening stage of World Cup 2026. 

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Group E - at a glance 

• Germany
• Curacao 
• Ivory Coast 
• Ecuador 

Fixtures

Predicted qualifiers 

Although this isn't a Germany side that's expected to win the competition, they will be strong enough to top this group. Ecuador could surprise a few and would be a strong bet to finish as runners-up. 

The Teams 

Germany 

World Ranking: 10
Best World Cup:  Winners 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014  

Four years ago, Germany crashed out of the Group Stages in embarrassing fashion for the four-time winners, but since that tournament look to be back on track under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann. 

They reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and cruised through their qualifying campaign for the summer, losing just one game and finishing above Slovakia. 

There's no doubting the talent available to Germany, with a squad that consists of standout names such as Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala and this could be the tournament that comes just at the right time for the current crop of players. 

Don't rule out a deep run for the Germans in this year's competition. 

Key man - Florian Wirtz 

A delightfully clever player, with the touch and vision to unlock any defence. It took some time for him to settle at Liverpool, but for Germany, he'll be the difference maker. 

Manager - Julian Nagelsmann

Steadied the ship following a disappointing spell under Hansi Flick, Nagelsmann is rated as one of Europe's best young coaches and he'll look to enhance that reputation with his country in North America. 

Getty Images

Curacao 

World Ranking:  81 
Best World Cup: 2026 debutant 

Curacao make their World Cup debut as the smallest nation by both population and area to ever compete at the finals. 

Under the watchful eye and experience of Dick Advocaat, they bested Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the tournament and will play their first-ever World Cup game against the four-time champions Germany. 

The squad is made up of a large conglomerate of Dutch-based players, many of whom have switched allegiance to Curacao and get to play on football's biggest stage. 

The rank outsiders will find it tough in a strong-looking group, but it's a moment to savour for the small Caribbean island. 

Key man - Leandro Bacuna 

Aston Villa fans will remember the name of Bacuna, who spent four years with the club. Still going at 34, the midfielder and captain is the most recognisable face of the team, and record appearance maker. 

Manager - Fred Rutton 

The former PSV and Feyenoord boss took over the reins following Dick Advocaat's departure in February and will lead them into their first World Cup. 

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Ivory Coast 

World Ranking: 37
Best World Cup: Group stage 2006, 2010, 2014 

It's the first World Cup since Brazil for the Elephants after missing the last two tournaments, and they qualified for the finals in style.

They topped their qualifying group ahead of Gabon and went undefeated in their campaign, winning eight of their ten games to book their place at the competition. 

It's a squad that perhaps lacks the big names seen previously with the Ivory Coast teams, but there's a strong spine with Evan Ndicka at the back, Franck Kessie in the middle and Nicolas Pepe in attack, all of whom will be key for the Africans. 

With the expanded format, there's a good chance they could make it out of the groups for the first time at the finals. 

Key man - Amad Diallo 

Lightning quick and with a deadly finish, the Manchester United man could be Ivory Coast's trump card and will be the one to make things happen. 

Manager - Emerse Fae

Began his reign by winning the 2024 African Cup of Nations and now the once Reading midfielder has returned his country to the world stage once again. 

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Ecuador 

World Ranking: 23
Best World Cup: Round of 16 2006

Only world champions Argentina performed better in qualifying from South America than Ecuador, with La Tricolor finishing above Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil to get to their second successive finals. 

In defence, they can boast both Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie, who have been in top form for PSG and Arsenal, respectively, and in front of them is Chelsea's standout man in Moises Caicedo. 

Enner Valencia is also still going strong, aged 36, adding experience to a team that could be tagged with the dark horses tag, especially given the expanded group stage. 

Given the tournament is in North America, too, Ecuador are a team very much on the up and it could be the stage to prove it. 

Key man - Moises Caicedo 

In the middle of the park, the South Americans have one of the best players in his position in the world. As defensive midfielders go, Caicedo is among the very best in the game. 

Manager - Sebastian Beccacece

The Argentinian has coached across South America and in Spain, but took his first national post in 2024 and has only lost once during his sixteen games in charge. 

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