Beccacece departs as Ecuador coach after World Cup exit

Sebastián Beccacece is out as Ecuador’s national team head coach. The Argentine tactician resigned following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the hands of Mexico in the round of 32, honoring a pledge he made before the tournament even kicked off.

A short but eventful tenure

Beccacece took the reins on August 1, 2024, replacing Félix Sánchez at the helm of La Tri. His appointment came with the singular mission of guiding Ecuador through World Cup qualification and into the tournament proper.

Ecuador’s group stage campaign finished with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, enough to squeeze through to the round of 32.

The highlight was an unexpected victory over Germany, a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament. Beccacece’s emotional celebrations on the sideline during that match became an instant talking point.

The promise that sealed his fate

Before Ecuador’s final group stage match, Beccacece publicly declared he would resign if the team didn’t advance beyond the group stage. Ecuador did get out of the group, but the round of 32 exit against Mexico triggered his departure.

Beccacece’s coaching style during his brief stint was defined by motivational themes of historical unity and national pride, delivering speeches that resonated deeply with a fanbase hungry for validation on the world stage.

What Ecuador achieved

Ecuador’s advancement to the round of 32 marked the team’s first appearance in a knockout stage match at a World Cup. Under Beccacece, Ecuador defeated Germany and navigated the group stage before falling to Mexico.

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