Ecuador appoint former Enzo Fernandez coach to lead Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez
Marcelo Gallardo has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ecuador national football team through the 2030 World Cup. He replaces Sebastian Beccacece following the team's exit in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for a national team featuring high-profile players like Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez.
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.
The injury news on everyone’s lips.. Would you risk Caicedo vs Arsenal? Or are we strong enough without him?
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