France U20 seek first Women’s World Cup win against Ecuador as probable line-ups emerge

France U20 will face Ecuador on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in their second Group C match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with Philippe Joly’s side aiming to secure its first victory of the tournament.

France opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against South Korea. That result left the French team still searching for a winning start, and the meeting with Ecuador represents their next opportunity to take three points in the group.

Joly is expected to retain a 4-3-3 formation for the fixture. Feerine Belhadj is set to continue in goal, while the likely back four is made up of Clara Bertrand, Landryna Lushimba Bilombi, Hillary Diaz and Mariah Gueguen.

Chloe Neller, Melinda Mendy and Maeline Mendy are expected to form the midfield three. In attack, Shana Chossenotte, Naolia Traore and Ornella Graziani are set to lead France’s forward line.

The anticipated French line-up therefore keeps the same overall structure across the team: one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. France will be looking to build on the attacking threat provided by its front three while improving on the result from the opening match.

Ecuador go into the game after a more convincing start to the competition. They defeated Ghana 3-0 in their opening fixture and are expected to use a 4-4-2 system against France.

Jade Lopez is set to retain her place in goal. Ecuador’s defence is likely to consist of Lia Rodriguez, Sheyla Macias, Kathleen Mendoza and Fiorella Pico.

The expected midfield includes Ashley Reyes, Maritxell Cazares, Mary Guerra and Evelyn Burgos. Xiomara Alcivar and Nayeli Bolanos are expected to take their places as Ecuador’s attacking partnership.

The contrast between the two projected formations will see France line up with three players in midfield and a three-player attack, while Ecuador are expected to select four midfielders behind two forwards. Ecuador’s 3-0 victory over Ghana gives them momentum heading into the meeting, while France are seeking a response after being held by South Korea.

The Group C fixture will consequently bring together a France side pursuing its first win and an Ecuador team hoping to follow up its opening success. The probable teams are:

France U20 (4-3-3): Feerine Belhadj; Clara Bertrand, Landryna Lushimba Bilombi, Hillary Diaz, Mariah Gueguen; Chloe Neller, Melinda Mendy, Maeline Mendy; Shana Chossenotte, Naolia Traore, Ornella Graziani.

Ecuador (4-4-2): Jade Lopez; Lia Rodriguez, Sheyla Macias, Kathleen Mendoza, Fiorella Pico; Ashley Reyes, Maritxell Cazares, Mary Guerra, Evelyn Burgos; Xiomara Alcivar, Nayeli Bolanos.