Ecuador’s final 2026 World Cup squad reportedly left out a high-profile coach, stunning fans and analysts alike. Gustavo Alfaro’s decision to exclude a veteran tactician from his 26-man roster for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. has sparked debate just weeks before the June 2026 kickoff.

Who was the coach ruled out and why?

The name most frequently linked to the vacancy was Jorge Fossati, the 65-year-old Uruguayan manager with stints at clubs like Al-Rayyan and Nacional de Montevideo. Fossati had been eyed for a technical role under Alfaro after the Argentine took charge in 2024. Local reports now confirm his profile didn’t fit Alfaro’s final vision. Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador on July 1, 2026 —a pre-Copa América friendly— reportedly pushed Alfaro to favor younger voices in his technical staff.

Ecuador’s rocky recent form

La Tri arrives in shaky form. Over their last five matches, they’ve managed 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses (LLWDD, newest to oldest), including back-to-back defeats that raised red flags. The loss to Mexico —with goals from Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez— exposed defensive frailties, especially in quick transitions. Alfaro, who replaced Félix Sánchez in 2024, has pushed for a possession-based style, but results remain inconsistent.

What’s next for Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup?

The December 15, 2025 draw placed La Tri in Group B alongside Spain, Morocco, and Japan. Alfaro has until June 1, 2026 to finalize his squad, though insiders close to the FEF expect minimal changes. The Argentine coach, who guided Ecuador to a quarterfinal exit at the 2024 Copa América, insists the team needs more time to gel. Meanwhile, fans question whether Fossati’s exclusion was a smart call or a miscalculation at a pivotal moment.

La Tri opens against Morocco on June 15, 2026 at Estadio Azteca. The match will test whether Ecuador has made real progress on the road to the Round of 16.