Ecuador suffered a 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in their first match of World Cup 2026, while Curacao were humbled by Germany in a 7-1 loss. Both sides are now looking to get off the mark in Kansas City.Ecuador are strong favourites against the debutants, but will everything go to plan for the South Americans? Here is our preview of the Group E clash.Ecuador to win both halves – 20/21 with Star SportsEcuador -2.5 Asian handicap – 20/21 with 247BetEnner Valencia to score first – 9/4 with BoyleSportsEcuador vs Curacao head to head overviewDate: Sunday 21st June.Kick-off: 1am.Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, USA.Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Referee: TBC.VAR: Yes.Last meeting: Never played before.Favourite to win: Ecuador.Ecuador vs Curacao predicted lineupsEcuador expected lineup: Galindez; Preciado, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Caicedo, Franco, Paez; Plata, Valencia, Angulo.Curacao expected lineup: Room; Floranus, Gaari, Obispo, Brenet; Comenencia, J. Bacuna, L. Bacuna, Gorre; Kastaneer, Margaritha.Ecuador vs Curacao predictionsFor 17 glorious minutes, tournament debutants Curacao held four-time World Cup winners Germany level at 1-1.After falling behind to a thunderous Felix Nmecha strike early on, Livano Comenencia made history when he became Curacao’s first ever goalscorer at the World Cup to draw his country level midway through the first half.There was no fairytale ending, though. Germany were ruthless for the rest of the match and ultimately ran out 7-1 winners. Still, Comenencia gave Curacaoans a moment they will never forget.There was a time when Ecuador, like Curacao, celebrated World Cup qualification, but not these days. La Tri are no longer content to merely participate, so their 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast disappointed fans back home.It was an even game which could have gone either way. Ecuador shaded the first half and Ivory Coast had the better of the second. The difference was, Ivory Coast dispatched one of their chances and Ecuador did not. Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute strike settled the contest in the Africans’ favour.Ecuador are now under pressure. They could advance to the round of 32 by beating Curacao and losing to Germany, but it would probably come down to goal difference. As such, Ecuador could do with a big win here.Curacao may have been demolished by Germany last time out, but there were positives to take from elements of their performance.Dick Advocaat’s team were a little naive defensively at times, yet they asked occasional questions of Germany on the counter-attack and managed to stay within one goal of them for around half of the game.Ecuador do not have the same level of firepower as Germany, but Curacao are still massive underdogs for this game in Kansas City.Ecuador vs Curacao betting tipsEcuador and Curacao are both aiming to bounce back from defeats on matchday one.Curacao up against itSome third-place teams will qualify for the round of 32 with a return of three points, but we do not know how many yet.Of course, Ecuador may yet amass more than that. And it is by no means guaranteed that a team which beat Argentina in qualifying will lose to Germany on matchday three. Still, a hefty win here and the corresponding goal difference boost would greatly increase their chances of advancing.Ecuador are not the most free-scoring side, but they have the tools to take advantage of Curacao’s defensive deficiencies. A victory by a three-goal margin or more is within reach for Sebastian Beccacece’s boys. Tip Ecuador with a -2.5 Asian handicap at 20/21 with 247Bet Ecuador to kick-start campaignHaving scored their first ever World Cup goal last time out, Curacao are now targeting their first ever World Cup point.It is hard to envisage them getting it here. Ecuador were not at their best against Ivory Coast, but they should have too much for Curacao.A clean sheet would set them on their way. Ecuador conceded just five goals in 18 South American qualifiers, so they know how to keep things tight at the back.Shutting out Curacao would put Ecuador on the path to winning both halves. If they do not concede, they would only need one goal in each half for this bet to pay out. Back Ecuador to win both halves at 20/21 with Star Sports Ecuador look to familiar faceIn Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez, Ecuador have three centre-backs who would be welcomed into most squads at this World Cup.Their problem is at the other end of the field. Ecuador hit the crossbar twice against Ivory Coast yet failed to score. They will need to be more clinical against Curacao.Ecuador continue to rely on Enner Valencia, who turns 37 later this year, for goals. He has scored six for Ecuador at World Cups, double the number of their next highest scorer on this stage.Valencia’s penalty-box prowess will be important against Curacao’s deep defence. The Ecuador captain can break the deadlock here. Go for Enner Valencia to score first at 9/4 with BoyleSports Ecuador vs Curacao latest oddsFind the latest Ecuador vs Curacao betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.More World Cup 2026 predictionsWe have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Ecuador and Curacao for bettingCuracao’s 7-1 loss to Germany was the heaviest loss by a World Cup debutant since 1954. Ecuador have won their last two games against CONCACAF opposition at the World Cup. Curacao have lost each of their four matches this calendar year.World Cup 2026: More from talkSPORTWorld Cup 2026 Betting offersWorld Cup 2026 Betting tips and predictionsWorld Cup 2026 AI predictionsWorld Cup 2026 Betting guideWorld Cup 2026 Top goalscorer oddsEngland to win World Cup 2026 oddsWorld Cup 2026: Best young player oddsAbout the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.