World Cup 2026: Group E Preview

Group E Preview

GERMANY

MANAGER: Julian Nagelsman

FIFA RANKING: 10

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 20

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x4 - 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014

The pressure will be on Germany to get out the group after failing to do so at the last two World Cup's. It was the end of an era in 2018 as they were an ageing team back then whilst in 2022 they were a side in transition and a team without a plan. Since winning this tournament in 2014, their performances in major tournament have not been at the standard they're used to but they did reach the Quarter Finals at the Euros two years ago which will give them something to build on.

KEY PLAYER: Florian Wirtz

Position: Midfielder

Club: Liverpool

Wirtz did have a tough first season at Liverpool last season, but for Germany he always showed up with his free kick against Northern Ireland in qualifying being one example where he delivered. He has more time on the ball when he plays for his country which allows him to do what he does best in picking out teammates and gliding past opponents in tight spaces.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jonathan Tah

Position: Centre Back

Club: Bayern Munich

Tah is a no nonsense solid defender as he gets in the way of shots, reads the game well and always times his challenges to perfection. Germany have had some quality centre backs over the years and Tah could be the next one if he performs like de does for Bayern Munich.

PREDICTION: Last 16

The pressure will be on them to get out the group following back-to-back group stage exits and they should do that comfortably due to the winnable group they're in. But I think they'll come unstuck in knockouts as they're still not quite on the same level as the top teams.

CURACAO

MANAGER: Fred Rutten

FIFA RANKING: 82

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 0

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: N/A

Curacao will be taking playing at their first World Cup finals this summer and will also be the smallest nation to take part at these finals. They'll probably be the biggest underdogs in World Cup history because of how small a country they are and the players will just go out there and enjoy the occasion. For a country of their size to play at a World Cup is absolutely incredible and it will do a lot for them as a country in that it will unite them and see the football side grow.

KEY PLAYER: Leandro Bacuna

Position: Midfielder

Club: Igdir

The former Aston Villa midfielder will bring a lot of experience and leadership to this Curacao side and they'll both be massively beneficial if they're to have a good tournament. He's been an integral part of the country's rise and now that he's 34 and reaching the end of his international career, he'll be determined to bow out on high.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Juninho Bacuna

Position: Midfielder

Club: Volendam

Juninho partners his brother Leandro in midfield and like his brother will bring a lot of quality to the team as well as experience. He'll also bring energy and a goal threat from midfield with the latter being the thing they arguably need the most as their strikers don't have many goals between them.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They lack tournament experience and the quality to compete at this level. Because of this I can see them going home early.

IVORY COAST

MANAGER: Emerse Fae

FIFA RANKING: 34

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 3

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage x3 - 2006, 2010 and 2014

Ivory Coast are back at a World Cup finals for the first time since 2014 and their appearance at these finals could be the start of a new era for them. They have a number of talented young players in their squad who are all set to play a key role in their future and have bright futures in the game. They've been a side in transition since their last appearance at these finals and now they have a group who they can build something with.

KEY PLAYER: Amad Diallo

Position: Winger

Club: Man United

Diallo has shown plenty of promise since breaking into the Man United first team and this tournament could be the one where he shows what he's about. He was Ivory Coast's standout performer at AFCON and if he can carry his performances from that tournament into this one, they could cause a few surprises.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Yan Diomande

Position: Forward

Club: RB Leipzig

Diomande is one of the most exciting young players on the planet following an impressive breakthrough season at RB Leipzig. The 19 year old already has Liverpool and other big clubs chasing for his signature and if he carries his club form into this tournament, he could get himself a move to one of those big clubs.

PREDICTION: Last 32

They have arguably the most exciting squad in their history given the young talent they have. They should get out the group because of the potential they have, but I don't see them causing many surprises due to the quality they're likely to face in the knockout rounds.

ECUADOR

MANAGER: Sebastian Beccacece

FIFA RANKING: 23

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 4

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Last 16 - 2006

Ecuador are underdogs heading into every World Cup because they've never had the quality that most teams have. But they do have a few players who are playing for some of the big clubs in Europe and have won some of the biggest prizes that are on offer. This certainly gives them a good chance of matching or even going beyond their best result at these finals in a last 16 finish from 2006.

KEY PLAYER: Moises Caicedo

Position: Midfielder

Club: Chelsea

Caicedo has been one of the best defensive midfielders around over the last few years because of his ability to win the ball back for his team time and time again. He covers every blade of grass on a football pitch because of his energy and his tenacity to win the ball back for his team.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Pervis Estupinan

Position: Left Back

Club: AC Milan

Estupinan loves to hog that left hand side due to his incredible energy and stamina. He's as good as any attacking full back on his day because that and his ability to get crosses into the box which are difficult for any defender to defend against.

PREDICTION: Last 32

They'll make it difficult for teams as they're organised and tough to beat defensively. But they don't have many goals in them and because this I don't see them going very far.