Marcelo Gallardo appointed Ecuador head coach

The Ecuadorian Football Federation has appointed Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo as the new manager of the national team.

Gallardo replaces compatriot Sebastian Beccacece, who left his position after Ecuador were eliminated in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The 50-year-old had been without a club since leaving River Plate in February. He has also previously managed Uruguayan side Nacional and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Gallardo’s first assignment with Ecuador will be a friendly against South Korea on 24 September.

Beccacece had been in charge since August 2024, overseeing 24 matches during his tenure. Ecuador won nine of those games, drew 12 and lost three.