Ecuador suffers an unexpected loss and receives Iván Hurtado's reprimand

Ecuador's national team fell 2-0 to Mexico in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, and former captain Iván "Bam Bam" Hurtado quickly labeled the performance as "that wasn't my team." On the show La Banda de ECDF, Hurtado said the lack of opponent analysis and the absence of tactical adjustments by coach Sebastián Beccacece were glaring.

What went wrong with Beccacece's plan?

According to Hurtado, the Ecuadorian side lost half the pitch in the first minutes and the coach did not react. "From the first or second minute they won half the field and he didn't correct it," he claimed. He compared the situation with England, which after a red card sacrificed Saka to reorganize and beat Mexico 3-2. For the former defender, the difference lies in preparation and attitude, factors he says were missing in Ecuador.

How did altitude and environment play a role?

Hurtado noted that Ecuador is used to playing at altitude, whereas England is not. "It teaches us that when a coach works, things like what happened in Ecuador don't occur," he added. He said Mexico, as the host, sought the match from the start, and the lack of commitment from Ecuadorian players was evident. "Our captain didn't fight for a divided ball," he criticized, highlighting the missing grit on the field.

What’s next for Ecuador and its fans?

The former captain announced he will keep investigating the match, looking for answers that explain the performance he described as "that wasn't my team." Meanwhile, the federation faces pressure from supporters and the media, demanding a thorough review of the coaching staff and squad.

In another arena, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed rumors of organized‑crime threats against Ecuadorian players, calling them false. The issue arose after Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann hinted at intimidation by the Sinaloa Cartel.

Current fact: Ecuador’s last result was a 2-0 win over New Zealand on 2025-11-19, and its recent form reads 1W‑4D‑0L in the last five games, unbeaten. This solid run contrasts sharply with the abrupt exit at the World Cup.

The controversy sparked by the loss and Hurtado’s criticism puts immediate adjustments at the forefront of the debate. Ecuador, known as "El Equipo de Todos," must answer quickly if it hopes to be competitive in future international tournaments.