Ecuador’s national football team has made a significant decision by sacking head coach Félix Sánchez following their defeat to Argentina in the Copa América quarterfinals. The country’s football federation (FEF) announced the news after Ecuador’s elimination from the tournament.

Despite leading Ecuador to the quarterfinals for the third time in the last four editions of the Copa América, Sánchez faced the consequences of the team’s loss to the defending champions, Argentina. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout, ultimately leading to Ecuador’s exit from the competition.

Félix Sánchez, who had previously achieved success by guiding Qatar to their first-ever Asian Cup title in 2019, had signed a four-year contract with Ecuador in March of the previous year. The FEF expressed appreciation for Sánchez and his coaching staff, acknowledging their efforts and professionalism while wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Following the Copa América defeat, Sánchez remained optimistic about Ecuador’s upcoming challenges in the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September. Despite not delving into discussions about his own future, he commended the players for their performance and resilience throughout the tournament.

In a post-match statement, Sánchez emphasized the youth and potential of the Ecuadorian squad, hinting at a promising future for the team. He praised the players for their efforts in reaching the knockout stage and expressed confidence in their abilities to improve and succeed in future competitions.

Looking ahead, Sánchez highlighted the importance of belief and unity within the team, emphasizing the need to trust in the capabilities of the young players and their potential for growth and development. While acknowledging the disappointment of the recent results, he remained positive about the team’s prospects in future tournaments.

As Ecuador prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Sánchez’s departure marks a new chapter for the national team, prompting speculation about the appointment of a new head coach to lead the squad in their quest for success on the international stage.