Ecuador Beccacece Steps Down As World Cup Campaign Ends

Sebastian Beccacece has left his role as Ecuador head coach after a 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in the World Cup round of 32, joining a growing list of national team managers departing following disappointing campaigns at the tournament.

Ecuador entered the World Cup tipped to progress far, yet produced an uneven campaign. Their only victory came against Germany, though that result still secured qualification from the group. Beccacece’s team also lost to Ivory Coast and drew with Curacao, before Mexico controlled their knockout meeting.

During the Mexico clash, Ecuador created very little in attack and registered only one shot on target. The defence also slipped below previous standards, conceding more than once in a match for the first time since a 2-1 loss to Venezuela at the 2024 Copa America, ending a 26-game run of keeping opponents under two goals.

Mexico’s performance continued a strong defensive pattern at this World Cup. The co-hosts have not conceded in four matches at the 2026 tournament, allowing only six shots on target across those games. They also achieved a milestone by finally recording a knockout-stage win after a 40-year wait.

Ecuador’s frustration deepened when Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie received a red card in the second half. Hincapie was dismissed after covering a hand over the mouth while speaking to an opponent. The incident reduced Ecuador to ten players and removed any realistic chance of a late response against Mexico’s well-organised back line.

Beccacece took charge of Ecuador in August 2024 and quickly guided La Tri to second place in South America’s World Cup qualifying standings. Across 24 matches as national coach, Beccacece oversaw nine wins and only three defeats, while working with one of the youngest squads in Ecuador’s history.

His contract was tied to the World Cup, and Beccacece confirmed that agreement had run its course. "Our contract ended with the World Cup," Beccacece explained."I don't think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. 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."

Key figures from Beccacece’s time with Ecuador are shown below.

Beccacece described an emotional farewell to the squad after the elimination. "Today it's time to say goodbye to a beautiful, wonderful family with deep gratitude, great serenity, and a sense of inner peace. We've given it our all," he told DS Sport. "That's how soccer is. Results are what matter most. I think the first half [against Mexico] didn't live up to what our process has been. Life is like that, tooa first half that wasn't the best. That means that we have to leave the tournament with this sadness, but also with the joy that we have a group of players who have shown commitment, and that will bear fruit."

Reflecting on Ecuador’s reaction during the match and the future of the group, Beccacece highlighted the players’ attitude. "We fought back, but we couldn't find the goal that would have given us a boost,"Beccacece added. "The legacy is from the players, because they have been the youngest team of Ecuador. 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."

The coaching change in Ecuador fits a broader trend during this World Cup. Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi during the group stage. Ronald Koeman and Marcelo Bielsa both resigned from the Netherlands and Uruguay roles on Tuesday. Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland boss, while Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea head coach.

Beccacece leaves with Ecuador out earlier than many expected, yet with a competitive record and a young core that reached the knockout phase. The next coach will inherit a squad already used to high expectations, after a qualifying campaign that delivered second place in South America and a testing World Cup run ending against Mexico.