Ivory Coast v Ecuador: World Cup predictions, best bets and odds

This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+

Ivory Coast, after beating France in a warm-up match, are hoping to keep up their good form and get their World Cup campaign off to the best possible start. To do so, they will need to overcome an Ecuador side in excellent shape. 

Sebastián Beccacece's players are coming off two consecutive wins, against Saudi Arabia and Guatemala. They also held the Netherlands (1-1) and Morocco (1-1) to draws. This is a solid team, determined to take all three points.

Flashscore is on YouTube!

World Cup match analysis in under 60 seconds, powered by Opta — that's Flashscore Edge. New episodes throughout the tournament.

Want the full picture? Interviews, tactical deep dives and tournament coverage on Flashscore Main.

Group E, where these two teams are competing, also includes Germany, the big favourites, and Curaçao. A win on Monday would therefore be a big step towards qualification.

Ivory Coast v Ecuador, Monday, 12:00 am

•    Ecuador not to lose – 1/4 with Bet365

•    Under 3.5 goals – 13/100 with Bet365

•    At least one goal in the second half – 31/100 with Bet365

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

Sponsored content

bet365

One of the UK's leading bookmakers. See the latest welcome offers and sign-up details.

Claim your bet365 bonus | bet365 review | Flashscore's betting hub

18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

Ecuador not to lose 

Ecuador have not lost a football match since 7 September 2024. Their last defeat was against Brazil, by the narrowest of margins. Since then, they have won eight matches, including impressive victories over Argentina and Venezuela. They have also drawn 11 times, managing to hold Morocco, the Netherlands and Brazil.

This is a solid team. They have conceded just five in their last ten matches. On the other hand, the Ivorians are coming off three successful friendlies, against South Korea (0-4), Scotland (0-1) and France (1-2). However, their Africa Cup of Nations run ended in the quarter-finals, after a defeat to Egypt (3-2).

In that same tournament, they were held to a draw by Cameroon (1-1). Earlier in the season, they also lost friendlies against Saudi Arabia (1-0) and New Zealand (1-0). This should be a tightly contested game between two sides in good form.

Tip: Ecuador win or draw @ 1/4 

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Ecuador avoids defeat against Ivory Coast.

Under 3.5 goals

Three of Ivory Coast's last six matches have ended with at least four goals scored. So, this stat seems to go against the suggested bet. However, looking further back, the previous 11 matches for the Elephants all ended with fewer than 3.5 goals. Their last two warm-up games, against Scotland and France, also saw fewer than 3.5 goals scored.

As for Ecuador, their last 15 matches have all ended with three goals or fewer. The team led by Enner Valencia are extremely solid defensively. We are therefore backing them to frustrate the Elephants' attacking talents (Wahi, Diomandé, etc.).

Tip: Under 3.5 goals @ 13/100 with Bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if three goals or fewer are scored in this match.

At least one goal in the second half

We are backing at least one goal to be scored in the second half of this match. The Ivorians have often looked dangerous after the break, scoring twice against France. They also scored twice between the 45th and 90th minutes in their friendly against South Korea. In the Africa Cup of Nations, they scored seven of their ten goals after half-time.

On the other side, Ecuador are no different. The Tri scored twice in the second half against Guatemala. They also scored one of their two goals against Saudi Arabia in the second half (while conceding one in the 87th minute). Against Morocco, everything happened after the break, with a goal scored and conceded after half-time.

Often, the difference is made in the second half. With this being a tense opening match, we can expect a cautious start, with both teams sizing each other up before opening up. So, we are backing at least one goal to be scored in the second half.

Tip: At least one goal in the second half @ 31/100 with Bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if at least one goal is scored in the second half, regardless of which team scores or who the scorer is.

Ivory Coast v Ecuador odds

•    Ivory Coast – 53/20 with Bet365

•    Draw – 9/5 with Bet365

•    Ecuador – 69/50 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.