Gallardo says Ecuador can compete with top teams

Gallardo (left), who played in two World Cups and is taking charge ‌of a national team for the first time, said ‌Ecuador’s current generation had the ‌potential ⁠to achieve big things in the coming years. | Photo Credit: AP

Marcelo Gallardo said Ecuador has the talent to compete ​with the world’s leading teams after ‌the former Argentina midfielder was presented ​as the country’s new ⁠coach on Thursday.

Gallardo, who played in two World Cups and is taking charge ‌of a national team for the first time, said ‌Ecuador’s current generation had the ‌potential ⁠to achieve big things in the coming years.

“Ecuador, because of its quality and the raw material it has, is capable of ​competing on equal ‌terms with any world-football powerhouse,” Gallardo told reporters.

The 50-year-old said he would seek to retain the ‌positive aspects of Ecuador’s recent ​performances while developing a team that could unite the country: “We ⁠want to build a team that represents not only us, but the ‌entire Ecuadorian people.”

Asked about Ecuador’s ambitions, including the Copa America and the path towards the 2030 World Cup, he said his team would aim for more than ‌participation: “We have set the highest goals.”

Gallardo ​added his first priority would be getting to know the ⁠players and staff during the upcoming ⁠international window.

Ecuador faces South Korea in a friendly match ‌on September 24, before taking on Japan a week later.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Published on Sep 18, 2026

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