Sebastián Beccacece has stepped down as head coach of the Ecuador national team, confirming his exit immediately after their elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentine announced the decision in Mexico City on Tuesday night following a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 32 at the Azteca Stadium.
First-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez condemned Ecuador to the exit, ending Beccacece's near two-year spell in charge of the national team.
The 45-year-old made clear his departure was always built into his terms with the federation. "My contract has to end with the end of the World Cup. For us, we are leaving now, " he said.
Beccacece was appointed by the Ecuadorian Football Federation on August 1, 2024, and chose not to pursue a renewal despite the option remaining open to him.
He explained that falling short of his own target for the tournament made the decision straightforward. "I don't think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever.
Today it's my turn to say goodbye, " he said.
The coach added he would have welcomed staying on. "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, " he said.
Under Beccacece, Ecuador reached the World Cup knockout rounds for only the second time in the country's history, a run built on a historic 2-1 group-stage win over Germany.
He praised the squad, which fielded the youngest group at the tournament, calling the dressing room "full of brotherhood" and thanking "this group of warriors, the Ecuadorian national team."
"We have built a beautiful legacy and had to undergo a journey with dignity, honesty and transparency. The outcomes we have fulfilled as of today, and now the technical staff will have to find a different path, " Beccacece said.
He indicated he intends to rest and spend time with family before considering his next role, with no negotiations or links to other jobs confirmed at this stage.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation has not named any candidates or interim plans to replace him, leaving La Tri's next appointment as the pressing question heading into the post-World Cup rebuild.
