According to a report by FIFA, Marcelo Gallardo has agreed to join Ecuador as their national team coach for the next two years. The Argentine coach, who previously managed River, Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, and Nacional of Uruguay, has progressed to the final stages of the documentation process. Gallardo left River in February after a second stint that failed to replicate the team's initial success, winning just 14 titles.
Gallardo, who spent time away from football to focus on his family, has now decided to return to the sport. He is expected to meet with Ecuador's Football Federation president, Francisco Egas, in Quito to finalise his appointment. This will mark Gallardo's first experience as a national team coach, replacing Sebastián Beccacece, who parted ways with the team after the 2026 World Cup.
Gallardo's immediate objectives in Ecuador include a debut match against South Korea in the next FIFA window. After a lengthy negotiation, the Argentine coach agreed to a two-year deal, which can be extended to 2030 after the Copa América.