Ecuador soccer team hit by criticism after 1‑0 World Cup loss, eyes Curacao clash

Ecuador lost its opening Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, falling 1‑0 to Ivory Coast. Former international Antonio Valencia and several coaches condemned manager Sebastián Beccacece’s defensive substitutions, saying the team “lost players up front” and failed to create scoring chances.

The squad has been training in Columbus behind closed doors for three days, refusing media access while preparing for a decisive game against Curacao on June 20 at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. FIFA has appointed Chinese referee Ning Ma to officiate the encounter.

Beccacece and the players aim to correct the “mistakes” and secure a win to keep hopes of advancing to the round of 16 alive.