Group E
The line-up, a preview, and a steer for your finishing order.
Group E has an obvious favourite and a fascinating fight for the runner-up spot. Germany (UEFA), four-time champions and rebuilding with intent, should win the group comfortably on talent and depth. The real contest is behind them. Ecuador (CONMEBOL) are the standout challenger: a young, defensively excellent side built on Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié, the kind of spine that wins tight knockout games.
Ivory Coast (CAF) return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and have the athleticism and forward talent to push Ecuador all the way for second. Curaçao (CONCACAF) provide the romance-at a fraction over 150,000 people they are the smallest nation ever to reach a men's World Cup, a genuinely historic debut. They will be organised and spirited, but the gap in resources shows on paper.
How to predict it: pencil in Germany as winners and make your real decision between Ecuador and Ivory Coast for second-Ecuador's defensive base makes them the slightly safer pick, but Ivory Coast offer more upside if you want a differentiator. Whoever you leave in third of those two is a serious best-thirds contender, because a third-placed finish behind Germany in a group of this quality should carry enough points to make the cut.
Think you've read it right? Set your Group E order → Or head back to the full tournament guide.