Ivory Coast and Ecuador contest Group I at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara — a match between two well-organised sides from different confederations, both capable of making it through. The Elephants are Africa's most exciting team at this tournament, while Ecuador have become one of CONMEBOL's most reliable qualifiers.

Ivory Coast's golden generation — Didier Drogba's era — is long gone, but a new wave of talent has emerged. Sébastien Haller leads the attack after overcoming testicular cancer to continue his career, while Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra provide pace on the flanks. They're more than capable of a deep run.

Ecuador, under coach Félix Torres, qualified comfortably through South America's brutal ten-team league. Enner Valencia, their record scorer, remains the focal point despite his age, while younger talents like Moisés Caicedo have elevated this squad to a new level. This promises to be a tightly contested opener.