Ecuador head coach Sebastián Beccacece said the team's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are not over after a 0-0 draw [1] with Curacao.
The result puts Ecuador in a precarious position within the group stage. A failure to secure three points against a lower-ranked opponent complicates their path to the knockout rounds and increases the pressure on their final match.
Beccacece addressed the media during a post-match press conference on June 20, 2026, to discuss the unexpected result. Despite the lack of goals, the coach remained positive about the team's ability to advance. "It is not over yet," Beccacece said [2].
Statistical data indicates that Ecuador dominated much of the play. The team recorded an expected goals (xG) metric of 3.08 [3] during the match. However, they were unable to convert those opportunities into a lead. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room played a pivotal role in the stalemate, making 15 saves [4] to keep the clean sheet.
Before the match, Beccacece had urged caution regarding the opponent. "We are not Germany," Beccacece said [5]. This humility did not prevent a shock result that left the squad fighting for survival in the tournament.
Ecuador now faces a critical encounter against Germany to determine their fate. The coach indicated that the team is prepared for the challenge and believes they can still secure the necessary result. "We remain optimistic about securing qualification against Germany," Beccacece said [6].
The match was characterized by Ecuador's offensive pressure and Curacao's resilient defense. While some reports suggested a win for Curacao, official match data and the coach's statements confirm the game ended in a scoreless draw [1].
“"It is not over yet."”
Ecuador's inability to convert a high xG into goals against Curacao suggests a critical lack of clinical finishing in the final third. To advance, they must now overcome a powerhouse like Germany, meaning their margin for error has vanished. This result highlights the volatility of the 2026 group stage, where underdog resilience can disrupt established favorites.
