Ecuador's Willian Pacho apologizes after World Cup exit

Ecuador defender Willian Pacho has apologized to the nation following the team's exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Ecuadorian squad was eliminated after a 2-0 defeat against Mexico in the round of 16, concluding their tournament aspirations.

Speaking to the media after the match, Pacho expressed the team's deep disappointment. "I want to ask for forgiveness from all the Ecuadorian people. All of this hurts a lot," he stated. "There are people for whom it was their last World Cup, and personally, seeing how they leave like this is difficult. This is football, it happens. We have to lift our heads and get up; life goes on."

Pacho was a consistent presence for Ecuador throughout the tournament, starting and playing all 90 minutes in all four of the team's matches. These included a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, a 2-1 victory over Germany, a goalless draw with Curaçao, and the final 2-0 defeat to Mexico. During these games, the defense managed to keep a clean sheet only once.

Individually, Pacho's performance statistics from the World Cup show 2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 5 recoveries, and 5 clearances per game. He also averaged 4 ball touches and maintained a 91% pass accuracy, according to SofaScore. Following the World Cup, Pacho and his European-based teammates will take a break before rejoining their clubs for pre-season training. Pacho is set to begin his third season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he has already won nine titles, including two Champions League trophies.

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I want to ask for forgiveness from all the Ecuadorian people. All of this hurts a lot. (…) There are people for whom it was their last World Cup, and personally, seeing how they leave like this is difficult. This is football, it happens. Toca alzar cabeza y levantarnos; la vida sigue