4
Confederations
4
Combined WC Titles
24
Combined WC Apps
#14
Highest Ranked
What to Watch in Group E
Germany are the heavy favourite and the side most under pressure to redeem 2018 and 2022 group-stage exits. The squad is a mix of Julian Nagelsmann's tactical experiments and the leadership of Joshua Kimmich and İlkay Gündoğan. Côte d'Ivoire arrive as AFCON 2024 champions, with Sébastien Haller fit again and Simon Adingra one of the most exciting wide players in the world. Ecuador return to the World Cup for the fifth time since 2002, a remarkable consistency for a country of 18 million. Curaçao make their debut with a population of just 150,000, the smallest by population of any country ever to qualify for a World Cup. The Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire match-up is the technical highlight. Curaçao vs Ecuador is the upset watch.
Group E Standings
Top 2 advance to Round of 32
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇩🇪 GermanyGER | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +6 | 3 |
| 2 | 🇨🇮 Côte d'IvoireCIV | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | 🇪🇨 EcuadorECU | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | 🇨🇼 CuraçaoCUW | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -6 | 0 |
Team Profiles
FIFA rankings & World Cup history
Group E Matches
3 matchdays · 6 matches
Matchday 1
Jun 14Matchday 2
Jun 20Matchday 3
Jun 25Where to Watch Live
16 world-class venues · 3 countries
USA
11 cities
Canada
2 cities
Mexico
3 cities
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Boston
Gillette Stadium
Dallas
AT&T Stadium
Houston
NRG Stadium
Kansas City
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
Specific venue assignments for Group E will be confirmed by FIFA.
Group Predictions
Based on FIFA rankings, historical performance, and live group standings as matches unfold.
Advance to Round of 32
Key Matchup
Most competitive matchup by FIFA ranking
Group Facts
Group E: Spain Headline the Section
Group E sits in the privileged position of having the reigning Euro 2024 champions as the seeded side. Spain qualified with their by-now-trademark possession football and the deepest midfield rotation of any team in the tournament. The challenge for Cameroon, New Zealand, and Albania is keeping them off the ball for any meaningful stretch.
Cameroon bring history (eight World Cup appearances, the 1990 quarter-finalists) and the physicality of their Indomitable Lions tradition. New Zealand qualify as the only OFC representative, undefeated through their qualifying group. Albania make their World Cup debut and will play with the freedom that comes with being the unknown quantity.
Spain start as heavy favourites, but Group E will reward whoever takes their chances against the second-tier teams. Track the live table here, look at the parallel Group D which features France, or jump to the Spain team page for full squad and history details.
Follow the Journey to the Final
See how Group E teams progress through the knockout stages. Explore the full tournament bracket and match schedule.
Group E Match Schedule FAQs
When does the Group E World Cup 2026 Match Schedule begin?
Group E matches kick off during the first week of the tournament. The exact dates run from June 11 to June 26, 2026. Teams play three matches each before the knockout stage begins.
Which teams are in Group E for the 2026 tournament?
Group E features Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador, and Germany. This group brings together teams from 4 different confederations, making for a competitive matchday lineup at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How many teams advance from Group E to the knockout stage?
The top two teams with the most points at the end of the group stage automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also qualify. Tiebreakers like goal difference will decide teams tied on points.
Where will Group E matches be played?
Matches will be played across the 16 official host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Stadium assignments for each Group E fixture are published on the official FIFA schedule once the tournament draw is finalised.
How can I buy tickets for Group E matches?
Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are sold exclusively through the official FIFA ticketing platform. Sales open in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. Sign up early on FIFA.com to be notified when each Group E fixture goes on sale.