Ecuador's head coach steps down after World Cup exit

Ecuador's national football team head coach Sebastian Becasese has announced his resignation following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Ecuador lost 0-2 to Mexico in the round of 32 on Monday, ending their tournament participation.

After the match, Becasese reminded that his contract with the Ecuadorian Football Federation was valid until the end of the World Cup. He stated that the contract ended with the tournament's conclusion and that the team failed to achieve its goal of having the best World Cup in Ecuador's history.

The coach emphasized that the team left a valuable foundation for the future, having built a very cohesive squad. He acknowledged that the pain and disappointment do not diminish his belief in the team's future and the legacy they left. Becasese admitted he had hoped to continue after the tournament, but in football, everything depends on results.

The 45-year-old Argentine had been in charge of Ecuador since August 2024. Under his leadership, the team qualified for the World Cup, but the tournament ended in the first knockout round.