Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
Ecuador has turned to proven silverware-winner Marcelo Gallardo to lead their new era.
Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup run was a proper rollercoaster that ended in the Round of 32. After a rough start against Ivory Coast and a tense 0–0 draw with Curacao, they pulled off a massive 2–1 upset over Germany to crash the knockout stage, before co-hosts Mexico eventually knocked them out 2–0.
Through it all, Moises Caicedo was absolute class as captain. He played every single minute of all four games, completely ran the midfield, and created a team-high nine chances, even setting a national World Cup record by attempting 112 passes in a single match against Curacao.
Marcelo Gallardo appointed as Ecuador manager
Ecuador’s previous manager, Sebastian Beccacece, stepped down following the team’s 2–0 Round of 32 loss to Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Marcelo Gallardo will be the new Ecuador boss until World Cup 2030 with the mission to lead Ecuador into next major tournaments.
Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez spent time on loan at River Plate, where he played directly under Gallardo in Argentina’s Liga Profesional not so long ago. However, that loan didn’t go to plan at all.
However, he’s never managed Moises Caicedo.
Marcelo Gallardo worked with Enzo Fernandez at River Plate
Under Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate, Enzo Fernandez went from a raw academy product to South America’s most complete young midfielder.
Gallardo initially sent him on loan to Defensa y Justicia to get minutes, then recalled him early after seeing his rapid growth.
Back at River, Gallardo gave Enzo complete freedom in midfield. He racked up 12 goals and 10 assists in 53 appearances for River Plate, playing a starring role in River’s dominant 2021 campaign, helping lift both the Argentine Primera Division title and the Trofeo de Campeones.