Ecuador vs Curacao Prediction: Back 23/20 scorer in routine win

In the early hours of Sunday morning (1am BST, live on BBC One), Ecuador and Curacao go head-to-head in Kansas City, with each side looking to secure their first win at this World Cup.

Read on for my Ecuador vs Curacao predictions, complete with the latest odds, team news and a Correct Score selection.

Ecuador vs Curacao Odds

No surprise that Ecuador are long odds-on - 1/8 to be precise - to get off the mark at this World Cup. That's an implied probability of 88%.

A Curacao upset? That's a 22/1 (4%) chance at Betfred. The draw is 15/2.

BTTS - Yes is available at 2/1 and it's 4/11 about the opposite. Ecuador striker Enner Valencia is favourite to open the scoring at 9/4.

Team News

Considering their superiority in the first half against Ivory Coast, expect Ecuador boss Sebastien Beccacece to start with the same side in Kansas.

Hopefully we'll see the likes of 19-year-old Kendry Paez and Jordy Caicedo in the second half, if things are going to plan for La Tricolor.

I was surprised to see Curacao line up with a back four against the Germans, and Dick Advocaat could look to sure things up here by adding another man to his backline.

Van Eijma, Sambo or Gaari are the potential replacements - and although he was one of their brighter sparks in the opening fixture, Hansen could be the one to make way.

Player 2+ Shots on Target (Sub Switch) - Enner Valencia @ EVS

Ecuador captain Enner Valencia remains his country's main source of goals, even at the age of 36.

He's responsible for over half of their 19 scored since September 2024 - and he bagged eight in 22 for Mexican outfit Pachua during the 2025/26 season.

He struggled in the opener against Ivory Coast on Monday, but Les Elephants are very hard to break down, so that's of no great surprise.

The former Fenerbahce man ought to find things a lot easier against Curacao, who conceded 26 shots against Germany, so I'm backing him to have at least two shots on target.

Thanks to Betfred's new Sub Switch promotion, if your player is substituted at any point in the match, your bet is switched to their replacement.

Player to Score (Sub Switch) - John Yeboah @ 23/20

Despite Ecuador's reliance on the aforementioned Valencia over the years, it was actually John Yeboah who proved his country's biggest threat against Ivory Coast.

The 25-year-old Venezia winger let off three shots, hitting the crossbar in the first half. He was a constant danger on the left wing, which is where Germany enjoyed most of their success against Curacao.

Expect a similar performance from Yeboah, who's taken to score at anytime - again, making use of Betfred's superb Sub Switch offer.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

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