Beccacece leaves Ecuador role after World Cup exit

Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece has confirmed he is leaving his role after his side's World Cup exit at the hands of Mexico. The Argentine, who took charge in August 2024, guided Ecuador to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Germany in their final group match to secure a place in the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. However, Ecuador were comfortably beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the knockout stage, ending their tournament.

Beccacece's departure

Speaking after the match, Beccacece said his contract ended with the World Cup. "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," he said. "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."

Ecuador's World Cup campaign

Ecuador began Group E with a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, followed by a goalless draw with Curacao. Needing a win in their final group game against Germany, they fell behind early but rallied to win 2-1, securing their place in the knockout stages for only the second time in their history. In the last 32, Mexico took control in the first half with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. Beccacece admitted his side were "outplayed" in the first half. "We fought back, but we couldn't find the goal that would have given us a boost," he said.

Seventh managerial departure at the tournament

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