Official complaint from Ecuador for incidents in the run-up to the match against Mexico
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) filed a formal complaint with the organization of the 2026 World Cup. The reason: the acts that occurred during the early hours of the morning at the South American team’s concentration hotel in Santa Fe, Mexico City.
Dozens of Mexican fans gathered in front of the building. They used horns, motorcycles, klaxons, loudspeakers and pyrotechnics. The objective: to alter the rest of the team led by Sebastián Beccacece, hours before the direct elimination duel.
Images of the episode circulated on social networks. What was previously seen as a show of local support is now interpreted as a strategy to affect the rival’s preparation.
Complicated logistics and growing unrest
The Ecuadorian annoyance was not limited to noise. The team also faced problems reaching the capital. The flight from Columbus suffered a considerable delay, altering the planning made to mitigate the effect of altitude.
After landing at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, the team traveled nearly 65 kilometers to Santa Fe. The trip was lengthened due to heavy traffic and rain on Monday night.
The FEF statement
Hours later, the FEF released a statement. He demanded action to prevent these events from being repeated during the World Cup.
“This procedure is far from the principles of fair play, equity and unity that a World Cup should represent. We respectfully call on the competent authorities to safeguard the integrity of our players, coaching staff and fans. Ecuador will always respond to these unsportsmanlike actions on the field.”
The organization trusted that respect and healthy competition will prevail in the football festival between two sister countries.
