Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup ended in the round of 32 at the Estadio Azteca, where a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico also brought the immediate departure of head coach Sebastián Beccacece. The Argentine’s contract was tied to the team’s tournament participation, and he confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday that it would not be renewed. “My contract finished when the World Cup finished, and today the World Cup finished,” he said after a lengthy dressing-room meeting with players and federation officials.

Mexico seized control in the first half through goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, while Ecuador struggled to impose the high-pressing style that had defined their qualifying campaign. Piero Hincapié was sent off late on, and Beccacece later acknowledged that his side “did not reach the level of the process” in the opening period. The result followed a group stage in which Ecuador lost to Ivory Coast, drew with Curaçao, and then produced a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Beccacece took charge in August 2024 and led Ecuador to second place in CONMEBOL qualifying, behind only Argentina. His tenure included a 1-0 win over Argentina in September 2025 and the historic defeat of Germany, but also drew criticism after the slow start to the tournament. German media noted the contrast between his euphoric celebration—climbing into the stands to kiss his wife after the Germany win—and the abrupt exit days later. Argentine and Brazilian outlets highlighted his overall record of nine wins, twelve draws and only three defeats in 24 matches, with two of those losses coming at the World Cup.

In his farewell, Beccacece described the dressing-room scene as “moving” and said he left with “gratitude, peace of mind, and no reproaches.” He praised the unity of a squad built around Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Kendry Páez and Enner Valencia, and expressed confidence that the foundations laid would bear fruit. Ecuadorian media reported that veteran players Hernán Galíndez and Enner Valencia also said their goodbyes to the group.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation now begins the search for a new coach, while the core of a young generation that reached back-to-back World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2006 remains intact.