Did Guillermo Almada withdraw from the Ecuador National Team? Here are the statements from América's new head coach

Following Sebastián Beccacece's departure from the Ecuador National Team, while the Federation accelerates its search for a new head coach, eyes briefly turned to Uruguayan coach Guillermo Almada. Almada had publicly expressed in past years his desire to coach Ecuador and stated that this position was a priority for him. However, given that the experienced coach's career is currently at a very different point, it remains a major question mark whether he is in a position to meet the hopes of fans and the media. Almada's name was being cited as one of the strongest candidates for the seat vacated by Beccacece.

Recent developments clearly show that Guillermo Almada is focusing on club football rather than national teams, as the coach has signed a new and comprehensive contract with América, a giant team in the Mexican Liga. At the introductory press conference held after taking office, Almada made ambitious statements, noting that the current focus of his managerial career is América and he has no time to focus on anything else. This development could derail the Ecuador Football Federation's plans to initiate a new process for the Tricolor and disappoint Almada's fans.

In his statements, Almada gave a clear response to speculation not only about Ecuador but also about another South American giant, the Uruguay National Team, and categorically rejected such possibilities. To questions about whether he could coach Uruguay, the coach recalled that the project at his current club is very big and important, emphasizing that even if such an offer were made, he would be honored but did not intend to leave the facilities and the club. These words reveal that Almada currently prefers club success over national team management and aims for long-term success with América in the coming years.

Evaluating what the situation means for Ecuador, in light of Almada's new role at América and his statements, his candidacy for the Tricolor seat appears to have effectively ended. Although Almada did not have direct talks with Ecuador, the importance he currently places on club football and his new responsibilities make it impossible for him to become a national team manager in the near future. This development forces the Ecuador Football Federation to review the list of potential candidates to succeed Sebastián Beccacece and focus on names other than Almada.

On the other hand, Guillermo Almada also spoke highly about the football development in his new club's country, drawing attention to the performance of the Mexico National Team at the 2026 World Cup and expressing that he finds the potential in the country very high. Almada stated that Mexico has the quality to compete with any team in the world and that he watches this situation with pride, while Ecuador quietly continues its search for a head coach ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and a new period. For Ecuadorians, this role change at América increases uncertainties for the national team and forces the Federation to be more careful in the decision-making phase.