Marcelo Gallardo to coach Ecuador national football team

Marcelo Gallardo has reached an agreement to become the new head coach of the Ecuador national football team, succeeding Sebastián Beccacece. This marks the Argentine manager's first experience leading a national squad.

Gallardo's primary objective is the 2030 World Cup. He was reportedly drawn to the project by the potential of Ecuador's current generation of players, including Moisés Caicedo, Kendry Páez, William Pacho, and Piero Hincapié. Under the terms of the agreement, Gallardo intends to maintain his residence in Argentina and travel to Ecuador for national team commitments.

The new coaching cycle is expected to begin during the upcoming FIFA international window between late September and early October. Ecuador has scheduled friendly matches against South Korea on September 24 and Japan on October 1, with a third match against an opponent to be determined, potentially Panama or New Zealand.