Whether the South American side can find enough firepower up front to secure crucial victories on the biggest stage remains to be seen.
Team News and Prediction
Evan Ndicka remains sidelined after sustaining an injury during last month's Rome derby. The center-back's thigh problem is expected to rule him out of Sunday's opener.
Although it is the only injury concern for Faé ahead of Ivory Coast's World Cup debut, the coach still faces several important selection decisions, particularly in attack.
With an abundance of talent on the wings, including Amad Diallo, Liverpool target Yan Diomande, Nicolas Pépé, and Simon Adingra, The Elephants are expected to pose their greatest threat from wide areas.
With Sébastien Haller omitted from the squad, it will be fascinating to see who leads the line. Elye Wahi, Evan Guessand, and Ange-Yoan Bonny are among the available options, though the trio have managed just four international goals between them.
Ecuador, meanwhile, head into the tournament with relatively few injury concerns. However, there are lingering doubts over the fitness of captain and talisman Enner Valencia.
Valencia is reportedly carrying a minor issue ahead of Sunday's encounter, but his availability remains a major concern.
The veteran striker, who has scored 49 international goals, is the only player in the squad to have reached double figures for the national team.
With Gonzalo Plata next on the scoring charts with just eight goals, Ecuador's dependence on their veteran forward for attacking output is evident.
Despite their lack of goals outside Valencia, La Tri still possess an abundance of elite talent, including Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié, Paris Saint-Germain center-back Willian Pacho, and teenage sensation Kendry Páez.
While Ecuador's rock-solid defense gives them a chance against any opponent, the sheer quality and pace of Ivory Coast's attacking unit could make it difficult for La Tri to record a 14th clean sheet under Beccacece.
That said, Ecuador have consistently shown resilience and are notoriously difficult to beat. As a result, a hard-fought draw appears to be the most likely outcome in Philadelphia.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-1 Ecuador