Every World Cup needs a cult hero: 2026 has given us touchline dreamboat Sebastián Beccacece

“Cult hero” Sebastián Beccacece is framed as one of the standout storylines from the 2026 World Cup, particularly for Ecuador. The article contrasts the team’s on-pitch profile—an elite defensive and midfield structure but limited attacking punch—with what it says has been Beccacece’s dominance in press conferences and on the sidelines. It describes him as a 45-year-old manager leading a country other than his native Argentina, with a coaching career that includes assisting Jorge Sampaoli with Chile and managing the Spanish club Elche. Ecuador, seen by the article as a potential dark horse, struggled early, including a scoreless draw versus Curaçao and a late defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. Facing possible elimination versus Germany, they fell behind to a controversial goal by Leroy Sané before Beccacece’s sideline protest following a review.