Ecuador to Play Friendlies in South Korea and Japan; Panama May Join Tournament

Ecuador's national football team is set to resume international activity with a tour of South Korea and Japan during the FIFA international window from September 21 to October 6, 2026. This tour marks the beginning of a new cycle following the 2026 World Cup and comes as the team navigates a transition period without a confirmed head coach after Sebastián Beccacece's departure.

The Ecuadorian squad, nicknamed 'La Tricolor,' will begin their Asian tour on September 24 against South Korea in Suwon. Subsequently, they will travel to Japan to compete in a four-nation tournament. This event will also feature hosts Japan, Panama, and New Zealand. Ecuador's second match is scheduled for October 1 against Japan in Yokohama. Depending on the results, Ecuador will play either the final or the third-place match on October 5 in Tokyo, potentially facing Panama.

Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) is urgently seeking a new head coach. This appointment is crucial as the new technical staff will lead the team's campaign for the 2028 Copa América and the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup. Several prominent names, including Marcelo Gallardo, Guillermo Almada, Gustavo Costas, and Robert Moreno, have been mentioned as potential candidates, but the FEF has not made an official announcement.

Panama's national team is also slated to participate in the tournament in Japan. However, unlike Ecuador, the Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut) has not yet officially confirmed their involvement. Fepafut President Manuel Arias had previously indicated the team's interest in securing high-level friendly matches during this FIFA window, but final details of the tour remained unconfirmed.

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No es simplemente un fallo de gobernanza. Es un profundo abuso del poder presidencial.