Marcelo Gallardo is set to become the new head coach of the Ecuador national football team, La Tri. The move, reported by Argentine outlet Ole, is aimed at a long-term project focusing on the 2028 Copa América and qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Gallardo will replace Sebastián Beccacece, who departed after leading Ecuador to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The news broke on Friday, September 9, though the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) has not yet issued an official confirmation. The Argentine manager is expected to travel to Quito the following week to finalize his arrival. His debut is scheduled for the September FIFA international window, with a friendly against South Korea on Thursday, September 24 at Suwon's Big Bird Stadium.
What did Ecuadorian media say about Gallardo?
The potential appointment of Gallardo made an immediate impact in the local press. The newspaper El Universo highlighted the coach's profile, stating it "is a profile that would lead one to believe the FEF, this time, is fitting in a name that could lead to a leap in quality." Meanwhile, Primicias emphasized his experience and temperament, saying "He is a guy who has a track record and knows how to handle pressure." The outlet added that Gallardo fits the players' request for a coach who transmits confidence from the bench. Expreso, another national media source, reported that El Muñeco will take on a long-term project and that his hiring represents one of the most important moves for the Tricolor in recent years.
What is La Tri's immediate schedule?
Marcelo Gallardo's debut will take place on Asian soil. After the match against South Korea, the Ecuadorian national team will travel to Japan to participate in a quadrangular tournament. The first fixture will be against host Japan on October 1 in Yokohama. Depending on the result of that match, Ecuador will face either the winner or loser of the Panama vs. New Zealand match on October 5. This tour marks the start of a new era aiming to correct course after an irregular start in World Cup qualifying. Ecuador currently sits third in their group with 4 points from one win, one draw, and one loss in three games. Their goal difference is neutral, with 2 scored and 2 conceded, and they trail group leaders Germany by 2 points. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What context does Gallardo inherit with the national team?
Gallardo inherits a team in need of rebuilding confidence after a tough patch. Ecuador's last outing was a 2-0 defeat to Mexico on July 1, 2026. Their form over the last five matches shows one win, two draws, and two losses, including two consecutive defeats in their most recent games. The new manager's task will be to reverse this trend and build a competitive side. Prior to his arrival, the FEF had already launched a special project for player recruitment, a foundation Gallardo must build upon. His stated goal is to end a nearly 90-year drought of major international titles for Ecuador, a monumental challenge. The squad list and their detailed statistics are available in our squad section.
What are El Muñeco's first challenges?
Gallardo's first official test will be the friendly against South Korea on September 24. This match, followed by the tournament in Japan, will serve to assess the group's condition and begin implementing his ideas. The coach arrives with prestige earned at club level, but must now adapt to international football and the pressure of representing a nation. The FEF is betting on his name to make a qualitative leap and stabilize a process that, despite reaching the last 16 in the recent World Cup, shows inconsistencies in the qualifying phase. Ecuador's next fixture is therefore the first step on a path aiming for the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. The team faces South Korea away on September 24, 2026.
