Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece has confirmed his departure following his side’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting he fell short of the goals set before the tournament.
The Argentine announced his exit after Ecuador suffered a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 32 at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, ending their World Cup campaign.
Although Ecuador reached the knockout stage after an impressive victory over Germany, they were unable to recover from Mexico’s dominant first-half performance.
“Our contract ended with the World Cup. I don’t think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. Today it’s my turn to say goodbye,” Beccacece said after the match.
“That’s why I have to leave. I would have liked to continue because what I received from the players and the management warranted the possibility of continuing. But I understand how this works and it hurts, but I think the decision was clear.”
Coach admits Mexico deserved first-half advantage
Beccacece acknowledged that Ecuador struggled to cope with Mexico’s intensity in the opening half, when the hosts scored twice to take control of the contest.
“We were outplayed in the first half,” he admitted.
Ecuador improved after the interval and enjoyed more possession, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Mexican defence.
“We fought back, but we couldn’t find the goal that would have given us a boost,” Beccacece added.
Beccacece praises players after exit
Despite the disappointment of leaving the tournament, Beccacece said he was proud of the group and chose to credit the players for the progress made during his time in charge.
“The legacy is from the players, because they have been the youngest team of Ecuador,” he said.
The former coach also expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his spell with the national team.
“I have no complaints, only gratitude to the people and the players,” he said. “I received so much gratitude and affection from the bottom of my heart. The boys gave me two beautiful hours after the match and that’s what we’re left with.”
Beccacece leaves after guiding Ecuador to the knockout stage, but his tenure ends without achieving the deep World Cup run the team had targeted before the tournament.