Ecuador vs Curacao: Both Lost, Now One Goes Home

Predictions

Ecuador are the overwhelming favorites here, and almost everyone expects them to win.

Curacao did score against Germany though, so they will not give up without a fight.

• Our prediction: Ecuador win 3-0, in control from start to finish.
• Yahoo Sports: a comfortable Ecuador win, with several goals.
• SportsLine: an Ecuador win, with over 3 goals in the game.
• Racing Post: a clear Ecuador win, with Curacao chasing the game.

Why this game matters so much

Here is why this one means everything to both teams.

This is Ecuador against Curacao, and both teams come in after a loss.

Ecuador started with a tight defeat and lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast.

Curacao had a much harder day and lost 7-1 to Germany.

So both teams sit at the bottom of the group on 0 points each.

That makes this feel like a final, because the loser is very likely out of the tournament.

Why Ecuador are the favorites

Ecuador are 32nd in the FIFA rankings, while Curacao are way down in 82nd.

That gap in ranking and quality puts Ecuador well ahead on paper.

Even in their loss to Ivory Coast, Ecuador looked solid and only lost by a single goal.

On the touchline they have coach Sebastian Beccacece, who has them playing as an organized team.

The bookmakers agree, because they give Ecuador about a 91% chance to win this game.

A draw is priced at about 10 to 1, and a Curacao win at about 26 to 1.

So we expect Ecuador to take this, and the experts lean the same way.

Why Curacao can still cause trouble

Curacao are 82nd in the FIFA rankings, so they are a big underdog here.

This is also their first ever World Cup, which makes the whole trip a proud moment for the tiny island nation.

They were beaten 7-1 by Germany, but they did score a goal of their own, which showed some fight.

They also have a fun story on the touchline, because they are coached by Dick Advocaat.

He is one of the most experienced coaches in the whole game, and he has managed top teams and countries for decades.

If he can set Curacao up to defend well and stay tight, they have a chance to make this awkward for Ecuador.

So while a win would be a huge shock, Curacao will not roll over and accept defeat.

Our call: Ecuador 3-0

We are calling it Ecuador 3-0.

Ecuador have far more quality, and they should be in control from start to finish.

Curacao let in 7 goals in their opener, so Ecuador will see plenty of chances to score.

Now here is the honest part.

Curacao have nothing to lose, and a brave team with a clever coach can sometimes keep the score down.

But we still see Ecuador winning comfortably and with goals to spare.

What is at stake?

Right now Germany and Ivory Coast lead Group E with 3 points each after winning their openers.

Ecuador and Curacao are both stuck on 0 points at the bottom.

The top 2 teams in the group go through to the next round.

Some of the best 3rd-place teams also make it through.

So the team that loses here is very likely out of the tournament, with almost no way back.

A win, on the other hand, keeps your World Cup dream alive for at least one more game.

That is what gives this game its edge, two teams fighting just to stay in it.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Friday June 20, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Kickoff is 19:00 (7:00 PM) Central time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Need a seat for it? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.