Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccaceche says he is leaving his post after his team crashed out of the World Cup against Mexico.
The Argentine led the South American nation to a famous comeback victory over Germany in the final group match and leveled with the hosts in the round of 16.
However, Ecuador comfortably beat Mexico 2-0 and was eliminated from the World Cup.
“Our contract ended with the World Cup,” said Beccacece, appointed in August 2024.
“I don’t think we were able to achieve what we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. Now it’s my turn to say goodbye.
“That’s why I have to leave. I would like to continue because what I received from the players and management guaranteed that I could continue. But I understand how it works and it hurts, but I think the decision was clear.”
Beccacece became the seventh coach at this World Cup to leave his post, following the departures of Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Miroslav Kubek (Czech Republic), Ronald Koeman (Netherlands), Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) and Hong Myung Bo (South Korea).
Ecuador lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening Group E match and were held to a goalless draw in the second game by Curacao.
They scored against Germany in the final group game but recovered to win 2–1 and secure their place in the round of 16 as one of the top third-placed teams.
The victory secured Ecuador a place in the knockout stages for only the second time in their history.
Beccacece admitted his side were “outplayed” in the first half by Mexico, who scored through Julián Quinones and Raul Jimenez before the break.
“We fought back, but we couldn’t find a goal that would give us momentum,” Beccacece said.