World Cup 2026 Group E: Germany’s standard, Ivory Coast’s surge, and Curaçao’s dream draw

Group E at the 2026 World Cup pairs a traditional power in Germany with three teams that bring very different kinds of danger: Ivory Coast’s athletic ceiling, Ecuador’s tournament savvy, and Curaçao’s history-making rise. With matches beginning June 14, the group looks straightforward on paper—but it’s built for momentum swings and one bad night changing everything.