Marcelo Gallardo close to becoming Ecuador coach

Marcelo Gallardo is close to taking over as Ecuador’s coach, with negotiations focused on the details of his contract and the staff he would bring with him.

The 50-year-old Argentine has been in talks with the Ecuadorian Football Federation for about a month. Francisco Egas, the federation’s president, is reportedly leading the push to hire him, and Gallardo could sign in the coming days.

The appointment would give Gallardo his first national-team coaching job. He is widely regarded as River Plate’s most successful coach and won the Copa Libertadores in 2015 and 2018. He also won the tournament as a River player in 1996.

If the deal goes through, his first assignment would come quickly. Ecuador have scheduled an Asian tour during the next FIFA window, beginning against South Korea on Sept. 24. The team would then travel to Japan for a four-team tournament, playing the hosts on Oct. 1 and the winner of Panama versus New Zealand on Oct. 5.

Gallardo last coached River in February 2026 during his second spell, which began in 2024. He resigned after a series of poor results and criticism from supporters over his tactical choices. In 86 matches, he recorded 38 wins, 27 draws and 21 defeats.