Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece has confirmed his departure after his team's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating that his contract ended following the Round of 32 defeat to Mexico. The match, played at the packed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, ended 2-0 in favor of the co-hosts, who advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986.
Beccacece announces exit after contract expiry
Speaking after the match, Beccacece told Reuters that his contract was tied to the World Cup campaign and that he had not achieved the ambitious goal set for the team. "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," he said.
The Argentine coach acknowledged that while he would have liked to continue, he respected the decision-making process. "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," he added.
Struggles against a dominant Mexican side
Beccacece admitted that his team struggled in the first half against an energetic Mexican squad that controlled possession and created chances. "We were outplayed in the first half," he said, as quoted by Reuters. After the interval, Ecuador improved and spent more time on the ball, but Mexico's defense remained solid, denying them a breakthrough. "We fought back, but we couldn't find the goal that would have given us a boost," Beccacece added.
Legacy and gratitude towards players and fans
Despite the disappointment, Beccacece highlighted the strong connection he developed with his players and the nation throughout the campaign. When asked about his legacy, he shifted credit to the squad. "The legacy is from the players, because they have been the youngest team of Ecuador," he said. "I have no complaints, only gratitude to the people and the players. 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."
Mexico ends long knockout-stage drought
Co-hosts Mexico advanced to the Round of 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory, marking their first World Cup knockout-stage win since 1986. According to OptaJoe, the victory snapped an eight-match streak of eliminations in World Cup knockout fixtures, the longest such run in the tournament's history. Mexico will now face an opponent to be determined in the next round.
