South Korea and Ecuador meet during September’s FIFA window with both sides beginning a reset after disappointing 2026 World Cup campaigns. The friendly offers Robert Moreno’s Taegeuk Warriors and Marcelo Gallardo’s Ecuador an early chance to restore confidence, though each coach must work around a significant absence.
Two rebuilding teams meet in September
Moreno has taken charge of South Korea following the 2026 World Cup and faces a substantial task in rebuilding a side whose pride was damaged by its tournament performance. The Spanish coach has a wide pool of players available for the overhaul, with Kang In Lee the only confirmed absentee.
South Korea have announced their official starting line-up for the match, although the team-sheet details have not been specified.
- South Korea are starting a new cycle under Robert Moreno.
- Kang In Lee is the only confirmed South Korean absence.
- The Taegeuk Warriors’ official formation has been announced.
- The fixture is an international friendly in the September FIFA window.
Gallardo begins Ecuador assignment without Caicedo
Ecuador are also entering a new era, with Marcelo Gallardo arriving to lead a squad looking to recover from a deeply disappointing World Cup. La Tricolor only reached the group stage by the narrowest margin before their tournament ended with a heavy elimination against Mexico.
Gallardo’s appointment brings considerable standing to the Ecuador job, but he will be unable to call on Moisés Caicedo, regarded as one of the team’s key figures, for the meeting with South Korea.
- Marcelo Gallardo has begun a new spell as Ecuador coach.
- Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup ended after elimination by Mexico.
- Moisés Caicedo is unavailable for the friendly.
- Both national teams approach the match seeking a response after World Cup disappointment.
