Sebastián Beccacece stops being coach of Ecuador after the World Cup

The Ecuadorian Football Federation announced the departure of the coach after the World Cup elimination.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 3 de julio a las 09:58 | 2 mins reading |63 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Official departure from Beccacece

The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) reported this Thursday the end of the relationship with Sebastián Beccacece as technical director of the senior team. Through a statement on social networks, the organization confirmed that it also concludes the work of its coaching staff.

“We appreciate the commitment, dedication and professionalism demonstrated during this cycle,” said the FEF. The text recognized that La Tri completed a solid qualifying round and represented the country in the World Cup.

Results at the World Cup event

Ecuador lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast, drew goalless with Curacao, beat Germany 2-1 and lost 2-0 to Mexico in the round of 32. That defeat meant elimination from the tournament.

In total, Beccacece directed 24 official and friendly matches. Their balance: nine wins, 12 draws and three losses. He managed to classify Ecuador in second place in the South American qualifiers.

Reactions after the announcement

The Ecuadorian press had criticized the coach for not showing a solid team or a game proposal in line with the quality of his players during the World Cup. So far, the FEF has not announced a possible replacement.

Sports

World Cup 2026: 13 of 16 teams in the round of 16 defined

13 teams are already classified and only three places remain to be defined.

Publicado 5 minutes ago el 3 de julio a las 12:23 | 2 mins reading

Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup: 13 tickets have already been assigned

Just one day before the round of 16 concludes, the 2026 World Cup already has 13 of the 16 teams that will compete in the round of 16 defined. So far, 28 teams have been eliminated, including powerhouses such as Germany, Uruguay, the Netherlands and Croatia.

The teams already installed in the next round are: Brazil, Paraguay, Canada, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England, Belgium, United States, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.

The confirmed crossings

Paraguay vs. France — Saturday, July 4 in Philadelphia.
Canada vs. Morocco — Saturday, July 4 in Houston.
Brazil vs. Norway — Sunday, July 5 in New Jersey.
Mexico vs. England — Sunday, July 5 in Mexico City.
Portugal vs. Spain — Monday, July 6 in Dallas.
United States vs. Belgium — Monday, July 6 in Seattle.
Winner of 16th round (key 14) vs. Winner of 16ths (key 16) — Tuesday, July 7 in Atlanta.
Switzerland vs. Winner of 16ths (key 15) — Tuesday, July 7 in Vancouver.

Pending tickets

Three places still do not have an owner. The winners of Egypt vs. Australia (12:00 p.m.) and Argentina vs. Cape Verde (4:00 p.m.) will face each other to define one of the positions. Switzerland awaits an opponent in the duel between Colombia and Ghana, which takes place today at 7:30 p.m., central Mexico time.

Sports

Portugal eliminates Croatia; Mexico present in the arbitration

Portugal beats Croatia 2-1; Ronaldo scores from a penalty and Ramos seals the pass.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 3 de julio a las 10:16 | 2 mins reading

Portugal defeats Croatia; Ronaldo advances

Portugal and Croatia starred in a duel of legends. At minute 3, Ante Budimir threatened, but the Portuguese goalkeeper stopped. Portugal responded with shots from Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha. The match became tense, with no goals at halftime.

In the second half, Croatia struck in the 53rd minute with Ivan Perišić. Portugal looked for an equalizer, and in the 68th minute Cristiano Ronaldo achieved it with a penalty. The star came out in the 81st minute visibly upset, replaced by Rúben Neves.

When Croatia seemed to be in control, Gonçalo Ramos headed in at 90+3′ to spark the celebration. A goal by Joško Gvardiol at 90+12′ was disallowed for offside. Luka Modric says goodbye to the World Cups; Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16.

Mexico, present in the arbitration

Mexican whistler Katia Itzel García will be the fourth referee in Argentina vs Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Sandra Ramírez will be a reserve assistant. The center will be the Canadian Drew Fischer.

Colombia and Ghana look for the last ticket

Colombia and Ghana face each other this Friday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for a place in the round of 16. The winner will face the winner of Switzerland vs Algeria. Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo commented: “I prefer not to be in need of being favorites.” Colombia led Group K with two wins and one draw.

Sports

Spain demolishes Austria and extends its streak without goals against

Spain beats Austria 3-0 and advances in the World Cup with a defensive record.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 3 de julio a las 10:07 | 2 mins reading

A wall called Spain

Spain confirmed that it is a serious candidate for the title by beating Austria 3-0 in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a double and Pedro Porro added another goal. La Roja not only attacked forcefully, but also kept a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive game.

Luis de la Fuente’s team has accumulated 519 minutes without conceding goals in World Cups, a record that surpasses Walter Zenga’s mark (Italy 1990). Austria didn’t even have a shot on goal; Unai Simón had no interventions.

“Great game, almost perfection but we have to continue improving,” declared De la Fuente. “Satisfaction kills you.”

Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute after a pass from Marc Cucurella. In the second half, Porro scored his first international goal with a header. Oyarzabal himself sentenced the 89 with the assistance of Cucurella.

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s young promise, generated four shots on goal and was applauded. The audience included actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Austria, which had not won a knockout match since 1954, fought but did not cause concern.

“I think they showed us their best performance,” Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick said. “If you want to win the World Cup, you need to beat Spain.”

De la Fuente insisted on continuing to improve: “We have to adjust the high pressure and be more effective.” Oyarzabal agreed: “Happy to help, but I hope we have a lot of time here.”

Spain awaits a rival between Portugal and Croatia; will play in Dallas on Monday. He has accumulated 35 competitive matches without losing since March 2023, with a European and Nations League title.