Quito: The Ecuadorian Football Federation announced today the appointment of Argentine Marcelo Gallardo as head coach of the national team, succeeding his compatriot Sebastián Beccacece, whose contract was not renewed following Ecuador's exit against Mexico in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
The Federation stated in a press release on its official social media accounts that Gallardo will take charge of the national team, emphasizing that Ecuador possesses the talent, organizational structure, and ambition necessary for the upcoming stage.
Marcelo Gallardo, 50 years old, returns to coaching after concluding his second tenure with Argentina's River Plate in February, having led the club in his first tenure to win the Copa Libertadores title twice. He has also previously coached Uruguay's Nacional and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.
Gallardo will begin his mission with the Ecuadorian national team in a friendly match against South Korea on September 24.
