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2026 World Cup Soccer Group E Odds and Expert Betting Predictions

by Spencer Toth - 2/12/2026

World Cup soccer Group E predictions Leon Goretzka Germany

The 2026 World Cup is rapidly approaching, and the expanded format has created extra intrigue and betting options in the group stage. In Group E, Germany is the clear favorite to advance, but Ecuador and the Ivory Coast are more than capable of pulling off an upset. Group stage bets during the 2026 World Cup can be one of the most rewarding wagers to make, as your bankroll will be replenished for other futures by the time the knockout stages roll around. Here are the four Group E teams broken down, with best bets on how to attack the betting odds. 

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Odds to Win Group E:

Germany: -225

Ecuador: +380

Ivory Coast: +600

Curacao: +4500
Odds to Qualify to the Knockout Stages:
Germany: -2000

Ecuador: -800

Ivory Coast: -380

Curacao: +750

Germany: 

Germany is worthy of the favorite role in this group, as their historic success in the world’s biggest tournaments has them leading the charge. Germany was bounced from the group stage in back-to-back tournaments after qualifying for the quarterfinals in 14 straight World Cups prior to those stunning setbacks. At the 2026 World Cup, the next generation of German superstars will lead the way. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are the most experienced outfield players on the squad, but at 31-years-old, the German national team is one of the youngest in the tournament. Germany has elected to wash away their recent demons with a squad shake-up, and it paid dividends as it went 9-1 in qualifying. One player to watch for Germany is 21-year-old Aleksander Pavlovic. Pavlovic has been anchoring Bayern Munich in the CDM role this year, and his arrival on the global stage will lift this unit. There is talent up and down this roster to point out, and the reality is that Germany's top-end talent and overall squad depth are incomparable to the minnows alongside them in Group E. 

Ecuador:
Ecuador has qualified for the World Cup four times before, all of which have been since their debut in 2002. They have only advanced from the group stage once in their history, but this year’s Group E appears to have them in line to do so again. Premier League stars Piero Hincapie (Arsenal) and Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) will lead the way in this tournament. Hincapie has come out of nowhere for the North London side and has earned his spot in the defense of the most dominant team of the year. Caicedo has been in the Premier League for a few years, and he will have a crucial role to play in front of the Ecuadorian defensive line. Ecuador’s attacking options could be stronger, but if they can keep a clean sheet against the Ivory Coast and Curacao, they will be able to punch their ticket into the knockout stages this summer. 

Ivory Coast: 

The squad selection for the Ivory Coast was not easy, as this African nation has a very deep talent pool that lacks top-end superstars. The depth is there for the Ivory Coast, and that will allow them to dream of the nation’s first knockout stage appearance. Ivory Coast strung together three straight World Cup qualifications from 2006-2014, but has missed out on each of the last two World Cups. The modified group stage format could allow them to sneak through with a single win over Curacao, which is music to the ears of their fanbase. On the pitch, the Ivory Coast went undefeated with an 8-0-2 record in qualification, without allowing a single goal. Their defense will be tested against both Germany and Ecuador, and it would be foolish to count out a team with the Ivory Coast’s discipline heading into the tournament. 

Curacao:
No matter what happens here, Curacao will be proud. With a population of 160,000, Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. They don’t have a single player that plays in the top five European leagues, and will struggle to compete against any of their Group E compatriots. They went undefeated in qualification with a 7-0-3 record, but expecting a single point to go their way would be a tall order this summer. 

Predictions and Best Bets:

While I normally like chasing underdogs with futures, the reality is that Germany at -225 screams value. I know the Germans haven’t qualified for the knockout stages in back-to-back World Cups, but this is a hungry young roster that will tear apart their inferior opponents. A combined starting XI for Group E would feature 11 Germans, and the bench would probably be full of the European side too. The -225 price tag doesn’t leave tons of money to be made, but they represent the perfect parlay piece with other group stage bets. 

The odds haven’t been released yet, but Curacao to finish bottom, to finish with exactly 0 points, or even to score 0 goals are the way to go. The matchup against Germany should be a one-sided affair, and the rock-solid defensive units from the Ivory Coast and Ecuador should keep Curacao at bay. Ecuador and the Ivory Coast know that they need to beat Curacao, and probably by a few goals if they want to qualify, and they will show no mercy against the tiny island nation. 

Pick: Germany to Win Group E -225

Pick: Curacao to Finish with 0 Points

Predicted Group E Table:
Germany 9 Points

Ecuador 4 Points

Ivory Coast 4 Points

Curacao 0 Points

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