Alan Franco Starts in Ecuador's 3-4-3 for Group E Opener

alan franco is in Ecuador's starting lineup for the June 15, 2026 World Cup Group E opener against Ivory Coast. Ecuador set up in a 3-4-3 at Lincoln Financial Field, now known as Philadelphia Stadium, with Sebastian Beccacece naming Franco from the start.

Ecuador's 3-4-3 Setup

Hernán Galíndez started in goal behind Joel Ordóñez, William Pacho, and Piero Hincapié. Alan Minda, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, and Gonzalo Plata filled the midfield line, with Enner Valencia and John Yeboah among the starters up front.

Beccacece's Opening XI

Franco's place in the side came as Ecuador opened Group E against a team that had beaten Scotland and France 2-1 in pre-tournament matches. Ecuador arrived after friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Guatemala, and it came in having finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying.

Ivory Coast's 4-4-2

Ivory Coast lined up in a 4-4-2 with Barco Yahia, Guela Doue, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan, Yan Diomande, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Bazoumana Touré, Nicholas Pepe, and Elye Revelação. The shape gave Ecuador an immediate test in its first match of the tournament, with Franco part of the midfield group Beccacece trusted from the opening whistle.