Ecuador look to reignite their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Curacao after suffering a late defeat to Ivory Coast.

Curacao, meanwhile, are chasing a first-ever World Cup point following their heavy loss to Germany.

Sebastián Beccacece's side arrived in North America carrying a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run and boasting one of the strongest defensive records in international football. Yet a dramatic late winner from Amad Diallo handed Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory in their opening fixture and abruptly ended two years of momentum.

The defeat was particularly painful given Ecuador's overall performance. La Tri struck the woodwork on multiple occasions, created several promising openings and looked capable of extending their unbeaten streak before Diallo's decisive intervention.

Now they must respond.

With Germany and Ivory Coast meeting in the other Group E fixture, Ecuador know that three points would immediately pull them back into qualification contention ahead of a daunting final-day encounter with the Germans.

Curacao, meanwhile, arrive in Kansas City still searching for their first World Cup points. Their 7-1 defeat against Germany appears brutal on paper, but the scoreline only tells part of the story.

Dick Advocaat's side competed admirably for large periods of the first half and even made history when Livano Comenencia scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal.

However, Germany's quality eventually overwhelmed the tournament newcomers, exposing the gap between elite international football and Curacao's relative inexperience on the global stage.

The challenge is now maintaining concentration and competitiveness across the full 90 minutes rather than isolated periods.

Ecuador's defeat against Ivory Coast marked their first loss in two years and halted an undefeated run that had established them as one of South America's most difficult teams to beat.

Before arriving at the World Cup, Beccacece's side recorded victories over Guatemala and Saudi Arabia while earning draws against both Morocco and the Netherlands. Defensive organisation remains their greatest strength, with only four goals conceded in their last five matches.

Curacao's recent form has been considerably less encouraging. Aside from a convincing 4-0 victory over Aruba, they have struggled against stronger opposition, suffering defeats to Germany, Scotland, Australia and China. Across those five games, they have conceded 19 goals.

Ecuador are expected to remain largely unchanged despite their opening defeat.

Veteran captain Enner Valencia came through the full 90 minutes against Ivory Coast after fitness concerns before the tournament and remains central to Ecuador's attacking plans. At 36, he continues to carry much of the goalscoring responsibility for a side that lacks an abundance of proven international strikers.

Around him, Ecuador possess quality across the pitch. Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo remains the team's key player, while Arsenal's Piero Hincapié and Paris Saint-Germain's defender Willian Pacho provide a strong defensive foundation.

Curacao reported no fresh injury concerns following their encounter with Germany. Comenencia is expected to keep his place after making national history, while the experienced Bacuna brothers will again shoulder much of the creative burden.

Former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong remains one of Curacao's most dangerous attacking outlets and could play a crucial role if they are to threaten Ecuador's defence.

Moisés Caicedo vs Leandro Bacuna

Ecuador's midfield authority starts with Caicedo. The Chelsea star dictates tempo, wins duels and drives transitions. Curacao captain Leandro Bacuna must disrupt that rhythm if his side is to remain competitive.

Piero Hincapié vs Tahith Chong

Chong's pace and direct running offer Curacao their clearest route forward. Hincapié, one of South America's most accomplished defenders, must prevent those transitions from becoming genuine opportunities.

Enner Valencia vs Riechedly Bazoer

Valencia's movement inside the penalty area remains Ecuador's primary goal threat. Bazoer and the Curacao defence must remain disciplined throughout, particularly when defending crosses and second balls.

Curacao deserve credit for the courage they showed against Germany, but Ecuador have significantly greater quality, experience and urgency.

Expect La Tri to dominate possession, create sustained pressure and eventually find the breakthrough needed to reignite their campaign.