Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador — Prediction
Calibrated from squad strength, form, rest and venue. Higher means the model has seen this pattern resolve consistently — never a certainty.
The analysis
Ecuador has shown impressive consistency at recent World Cups (2014, 2022). Côte d'Ivoire is rebuilding with a new generation post-Drogba era and has talented Premier League players. Both teams are evenly matched, making this an extremely difficult game to call. A draw is the most likely scenario.
Caicedo's grip on midfield against a rebuilding Ivorian core is the central battle, and it tends toward stalemate — both sides cancel each other out, supporting the cautious under 2.5 framing.
At 52 this is barely off a coin flip; the draw is the honest call, but a single Haller header or Ecuador set-piece could tip it either way without surprising anyone.
Full-time review
It tipped one way at the death: substitute Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner gave Côte d'Ivoire a 1-0 victory and ended Ecuador's long unbeaten run, despite the Ecuadorians hitting the woodwork twice. The draw call missed on the single late moment the note had flagged, though the low-scoring profile meant the under 2.5 framing held.
Predictions are probabilistic model output, not advice. For information only — 18+ / 21+ US. If gambling affects you or someone you know, support is available.