The Ecuador national football team is considering Spanish coach Roberto Martínez Montoliu as a genuine option for its managerial vacancy. According to reports from Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, the Ecuadorian Football Federation is in a race between Marcelo Gallardo and Martínez for the position left open by Sebastián Beccacece after the 2026 World Cup. The national side, currently sitting third in its World Cup qualifying group with 4 points, seeks stability after a mixed run of form that includes two losses in its last five matches.
Sports outlet El Universo first gathered this information, noting that talks with Gallardo are advanced but not finalized. This opens the door for a serious evaluation of Martínez's profile, who has been without a team since leaving the Portugal national team last July. La Tri has an upcoming Asian tour starting on September 24 against South Korea, a fixture you can find on our fixtures page.
Who is Roberto Martínez?
Roberto Martínez Montoliu was born in Balaguer, Catalonia, in 1973. His coaching career was forged primarily in England, where he managed Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Everton. His greatest achievement at club level came in 2013, when he led underdogs Wigan Athletic to win the FA Cup after beating powerhouse Manchester City 1-0 in the final. This feat earned him considerable prestige in European football.
His jump to the international scene happened in 2016 when he took charge of the Belgium national team. Under his guidance, the Belgian side reached the semifinals of the 2018 Russia World Cup and finished in third place. Martínez spent six years at the helm of the Red Devils before moving to Portugal in 2023. With the Portuguese selection, he won the 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League. "My contract had reached its final stage," Martínez himself stated upon leaving the role after Portugal's elimination in the 2026 World Cup.
How does his name reach Ecuador?
The search for a new head coach for Ecuador has become a more complex process than anticipated. Matteo Moretto stated: "Ecuador lives a race between Gallardo and Martínez for the position of national team coach." This duality of candidates emerges at a time when the FEF wants to make a firm decision. The team has a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in its last five outings, with a goal tally of 2 scored and 2 conceded in the current qualifying phase.
The urgency is due to the immediate schedule. Ecuador will face South Korea on September 24 at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. Subsequently, on October 1, it will play Japan in the Kirin Cup. A third match on Japanese soil is scheduled for October 5, against an opponent to be determined based on results involving Japan, New Zealand, and Panama. These commitments require a defined manager to plan the preseason and the squad call-up.
What scenario awaits the new manager?
Whoever takes the job will inherit a team with potential but in need of consolidation. La Tri is coming off a 2-0 loss to Mexico on July 1, a result that highlights the need for adjustments. The team's performance can be monitored on our stats page, which details its offensive and defensive numbers. The third-place standing in World Cup qualifying, with 4 points from one win, one draw, and one loss, leaves room for improvement.
Martínez's experience with top-tier national teams is an argument in his favor. Familiar with high-pressure tournaments like World Cups and the Nations League, his methodology could adapt to Ecuador's young talent. However, negotiations with Gallardo remain the priority for FEF executives. The final decision must be made soon so the new strategist has time to work with the squad before the Asian trip. Ecuador's next official match is against South Korea on September 24, 2026.
