Ecuador sets date to announce new national soccer team coach
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) aims to announce its new head coach by September.
- The new coach will lead the team through the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
- FEF President Francisco Egas stated that while several names have been linked to the position, no advanced negotiations are currently underway, including with Marcelo Gallardo.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) is actively seeking a new head coach for the national team following Sebastiรกn Beccacece's departure after the 2026 World Cup. FEF President Francisco Egas announced that the federation has set a deadline to reveal the new strategist who will guide "La Tri" through the upcoming World Cup cycle.
The coach will be here before the last two FIFA dates, in September and November, because he must fulfill his duties with the national team in the call-ups and in the new process.
Egas revealed in an interview that the FEF intends to finalize the appointment of the new coaching staff before September. This timeline is crucial to allow the chosen coach sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming FIFA dates in September and November 2026, and to integrate into the team's ongoing process. "The coach will be here before the last two FIFA dates, in September and November, because he must fulfill his duties with the national team in the call-ups and in the new process," Egas stated.
The FEF is looking for a coach who fits a specific profile designed to maintain Ecuador's recent competitiveness and, importantly, to inspire both players and fans. "We need a very specific profile for the next coach. One that excites everyone and, above all, our players," Egas explained.
We need a very specific profile for the next coach. One that excites everyone and, above all, our players.
Regarding the numerous names linked to the position in recent weeks, Egas clarified that no negotiations are in advanced stages. He specifically addressed rumors connecting Marcelo Gallardo to the role, stating that while discussions occurred before Beccacece's appointment, there has been no recent contact. "We spoke with Marcelo Gallardo before Sebastiรกn Beccacece arrived. He had a family matter and wanted to stay in Argentina, but we haven't spoken with him in recent days," Egas said. The FEF continues its thorough evaluation process to select the most suitable candidate for the national team's future challenges.
We spoke with Marcelo Gallardo before Sebastiรกn Beccacece arrived. He had a family matter and wanted to stay in Argentina, but we haven't spoken with him in recent days.
Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.