Ecuador head coach Felix Sanchez was fired following Thursday’s loss to Argentina in the Copa America quarterfinals.

His coaching staff also was dismissed.

“We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism, and wish him success in his future endeavors,” according to a statement from the Ecuadorian Football Federation.

Sanchez, 48, signed a four-year deal with Ecuador in 2023. Behind the guidance of the Spaniard, Ecuador has had a so-far impressive run in 2026 World Cup qualifying, sitting in fifth on the South America table above the likes of Brazil, Chile and Peru.

However, after reaching the quarterfinals for the third time in the past four Copa America tournaments, Ecuador was knocked out by the defending champions Argentina via a 4-2 penalty shootout after a 1-1 end in regulation.

“We managed to advance from the group stage to the knockouts. I have congratulated the players even if we weren’t able to progress,” Sanchez told reporters after the match, before his release.

“I think they deserve the credit, that is my opinion. … These are very young players. Maybe the results were unfair, but I know that we have to believe in this group of players.”

–Field Level Media