Ecuador suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca on Tuesday, and the Ecuadorian press quickly launched harsh criticism. The result sealed the team's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, ending the hope sparked by the win over Germany.

What did the Ecuadorian press say?

The newspaper El Comercio led with the headline "The night the Azteca swallowed Ecuador's World Cup dream," noting that local fan pressure prevented the South American side from showing its best football. Primicias added that "Ecuador wanted an Aztecazo, but got a batacazo," describing the performance as "their worst match of the tournament." Other outlets, such as El Universo and Olé, agreed the showing was insufficient and that the team did not meet expectations.

How did the loss affect the coaching staff?

Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece announced he will not continue after the elimination. In his statement, the manager admitted the performance "differed completely from what was shown against Germany" and accepted responsibility for the failure in Mexico. Beccacece's departure opens the door to a new technical project ahead of future tournaments.

What does recent history say about Ecuador?

Despite the setback, the national side maintains a positive run outside the World Cup: its last result was a 2-0 win over New Zealand on November 19, 2025, and in its last five matches it records 1 win and 4 draws (WDDDD). This good form in friendlies contrasts with the pressure felt at the Azteca and shows the team still has response capacity.

What comes next for Ecuador?

With the exit, the focus shifts to the 2027 Copa América qualifiers and the planning of a new coaching staff. Fans hope the federation will use the World Cup experience to strengthen the squad and return to top‑level competition. Meanwhile, the press will continue dissecting every detail of the Mexico performance, fueling the debate about the future of the Tri.