Marcelo Gallardo, top candidate to coach Ecuador
Marcelo Gallardo, former River coach, could lead Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup. The Ecuadorian Football Federation considers him their top candidate.
Gallardo abandoned River six months ago, but now he could return to the technical direction of a national team. The FEF considers him the best coach to replace Sebastián Beccacece.
Why is this news important?
The Ecuadorian national team is in a development and growth stage, with many young players who showed qualities to make a leap in the continent. Gallardo could lead the way to the Ecuadorian national team.
What's next?
The FEF and Gallardo are in formal talks to accelerate the process. It won't be a simple operation, but the Ecuadorians will try to do what's necessary to make him coach stars like Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho, Gonzalo Plata, Piero Hincapié, Pervis Estupiñán, and Kendry Páez.
The Ecuadorian national team is currently in 3rd place in the 2026 World Cup classification, with 4 points and a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 3 games. Their last result was a 2-0 loss to Mexico on July 1, 2026.
What does the press say?
Journalist César Luis Merlo reported that Gallardo is the top candidate to be the coach of Ecuador. In the report, he details that there was at least one face-to-face meeting between Francisco Egas, current president of the FEF, and Marcelo to accelerate the process.
What does this mean for Ecuador?
Gallardo's arrival could be a great step for the Ecuadorian national team. With his experience and skills, he could lead the team to a better future in international football.
