World Cup 2026: Sebastian Beccacece leaves role as Ecuador boss

Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece says he is leaving his role following his side’s World Cup exit against Mexico.

The Argentine guided the South American country to a famous comeback win against Germany in their final group match to set up a last-32 tie against the co-hosts.

However, Ecuador were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Mexico to exit the World Cup.

“Our contract ended with the World Cup,” said Beccacece, who was appointed in August 2024.

“I don’t think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. It’s my turn to say goodbye.

“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.”

Beccacece is the seventh manager to be involved at this World Cup to leave his post following the exits of Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Miroslav Koubek (Czech Republic), Ronald Koeman (Netherlands), Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) and Hong Myung-bo (South Korea).

Ecuador were beaten 1-0 by Ivory Coast in their opening Group E game and were held to a goalless draw by Curacao in their second game.

They went a goal down to Germany in the final group game but recovered to win 2-1 and secure a place in the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

The victory secured Ecuador’s place in the knockout stages for only the second time in their history.

Beccacece conceded his side were “outplayed” in the first half by Mexico, who scored through Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez prior to half-time.

“We fought back, but we couldn’t find the goal that would have given us a boost,” said Beccacece.