France U20 meet Ecuador on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the second round of Group C at the Women's U20 World Cup, with Philippe Joly's side seeking their first victory after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against South Korea.
France are expected to retain a 4-3-3 formation as they look to turn their promising start into three points. Feerine Belhadj is likely to continue in goal, with a four-player defence set to include Clara Bertrand, Landryna Lushimba Bilombi, Hillary Diaz and Mariah Gueguen.
Chloe Neller, Melinda Mendy and Maeline Mendy are expected to make up the midfield three. The attacking line is likely to feature Shana Chossenotte, Naolia Traore and Ornella Graziani.
The French side were held by South Korea in their opening Group C fixture and will now aim to deliver a stronger result against an Ecuador team arriving with confidence. The draw means France are still waiting for their first win of the competition, while their next opponents began with an emphatic victory.
Ecuador are expected to use a 4-4-2 system after beating Ghana 3-0 in their opening match. Jade Lopez is set to start in goal, protected by a defence of Lia Rodriguez, Sheyla Macias, Kathleen Mendoza and Fiorella Pico.
Ashley Reyes, Maritxell Cazares, Mary Guerra and Evelyn Burgos are the likely midfield quartet. Up front, Xiomara Alcivar and Nayeli Bolanos are expected to form Ecuador's attacking partnership.
The match represents the second Group C fixture for both teams. France will be looking to respond to the result against South Korea and move forward in the group, while Ecuador will attempt to build on their convincing three-goal success over Ghana.
Joly is therefore expected to keep faith with the 4-3-3 shape used by France, while Ecuador's probable 4-4-2 reflects the balance that helped them secure their opening win. With both sides now entering their second game of the tournament, the planned line-ups point to a meeting between France's three-player attack and Ecuador's two forwards.
France’s probable line-up: Feerine Belhadj; Clara Bertrand, Landryna Lushimba Bilombi, Hillary Diaz, Mariah Gueguen; Chloe Neller, Melinda Mendy, Maeline Mendy; Shana Chossenotte, Naolia Traore, Ornella Graziani.
Ecuador’s probable line-up: Jade Lopez; Lia Rodriguez, Sheyla Macias, Kathleen Mendoza, Fiorella Pico; Ashley Reyes, Maritxell Cazares, Mary Guerra, Evelyn Burgos; Xiomara Alcivar, Nayeli Bolanos.