Surprise move: River Plate legend to coach Ecuador national team

The Ecuador national team has officially announced on its social media accounts that Marcelo Gallardo has been appointed as head coach. The duration of the contract and other details have not yet been disclosed.

TodayPress TV reports that Gallardo has replaced Sebastián Beccacece in the position.

The former head coach decided to resign after Ecuador’s defeat to Mexico in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beccacece announced his departure after Ecuador failed to advance to the Round of 16.

Marcelo Gallardo’s most recent job was with Argentine club River Plate. The coach has previously managed Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad and Uruguay’s Nacional.

Namiq HUN