The Tri remains at the center of coaching rumors. According to Mexican press, Diego Cocca -former Atlas boss- is a candidate to take over Ecuador's national team, reviving the question: could he return to coach Mexico at the 2026 World Cup?

What does the Mexican press say about Cocca?

Soy Fútbol confirmed that Cocca ended his second spell at Atlas after failing to agree terms on a contract renewal. Guadalajara sources claim the Argentine coach put up roadblocks to his renewal, as he was already weighing Ecuador's offer. Though unconfirmed officially, insiders say Cocca prioritized a potential South American move.

Cocca has prior Mexico experience, but his stint was short. After taking charge in 2024, pressure and poor results forced him out before schedule. Still, the cold numbers show a positive record: under his watch, Mexico scored 6 goals and conceded none (+6 goal difference) in early qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Why Ecuador now?

Ecuador's national team is hunting for a replacement for Sebastián Beccacece, who left after the 2026 World Cup. Francisco Egas, president of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), said the hiring process is moving forward and aims to wrap it up before year-end. Cocca, with experience in Mexico and South America, fits the profile Ecuador's bosses are after.

The 51-year-old Argentine, who previously coached Mexico in 2024, saw relations with players and the press sour quickly. His exit left a bittersweet taste: 3 wins from 3 games at the start of qualifiers, but then a recent run of 4W-0D-1L in his last five outings (LWWWW, capped by a 2-3 loss to England on July 6, 2026).

What does this mean for Mexico?

If Cocca takes Ecuador's job, Mexico could lose a coach with squad experience. Though his tenure was brief, he left his mark on the generation now leading Group A at the 2026 World Cup: top of the table with 9 points, five clear of South Africa and on a recent LWWWW run.

Mexico, sitting first with 9 points from 3 games in the 2026 World Cup, keeps hunting for technical stability. While the press floats other names, Cocca's possible exit leaves a gap that could be filled from abroad.

With reporting from Soy Fútbol and statements from Francisco Egas (FEF).

The 2026 World Cup keeps churning out off-field drama. As El Tri marches on in the group stage, all eyes turn to the dugouts: who will take Ecuador's helm? And what will it mean for Mexico?