The oldest head coach in World Cup history, Dick Advocaat at 78, will lead Curacao—the smallest nation ever to reach the finals—after their stunning qualification campaign. Advocaat, who was temporarily replaced by Fred Rutten for family reasons, is back at the helm.
Ecuador, who finished second to World Cup holders Argentina in South American qualifying, boast a sturdy backline and up-and-coming talents. They hope to at least match their last-16 run in 2006.
Germany have struggled at the last two World Cups, exiting at the group stage both times since winning in 2014. Julian Nagelsmann's side performed well at Euro 2024 before losing to eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals, but defensive concerns remain.
Ivory Coast return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. Despite individual talents like Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo, they underperformed at the Africa Cup of Nations and need to become a collective force.
