South Korea vs Ecuador Live: Match Preview, Lineups, and Kick-Off Updates
South Korea and Ecuador are set to face off in an international friendly at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on September 24, 2026. This match marks a fresh start for both national teams, each under new management following disappointing World Cup campaigns [citation:2][citation:14].
Live Match Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | South Korea vs Ecuador |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Date | September 24, 2026 |
| Kick-Off | 19:00 local time (20:00 KST / 11:00 UTC / 16:30 IST) |
| Venue | Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon-si, South Korea |
| Referee | Shen Yinhao (China) |
| Assistants | Zhou Fei, Luo Zheng |
Confirmed Lineups
South Korea Starting XI (4-4-2)
Manager: Robert Moreno (interim, debut)
- Goalkeeper: Kim Seung-gyu
- Defenders: Seol Young-woo, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, Cho Hyun-taek
- Midfielders: Song Min-kyu, Park Jin-seob, Lee Jae-sung, Jeong Seung-won
- Forwards: Son Heung-min, Oh Hyeon-gyu
Ecuador Starting XI (4-4-2)
Manager: Marcelo Gallardo (debut)
- Goalkeeper: Hernán Galíndez
- Defenders: Pervis Estupiñán, Willian Pacho, Jackson Porozo, Ángelo Preciado
- Midfielders: Alan Franco, Pedro Vite, Nilson Angulo, Keny Arroyo
- Forwards: Jhon Yeboah, Jordy Caicedo
Key Storylines
Robert Moreno's Debut for South Korea
Robert Moreno, the former Spain national team coach, signed a short-term contract through November to lead South Korea through six international matches [citation:2]. His appointment comes two months after Hong Myungbo's departure following South Korea's group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup [citation:14]. Moreno's first test is against Ecuador, followed by fixtures against Uruguay, Venezuela, and Uzbekistan [citation:11].
Marcelo Gallardo's First Match with Ecuador
Marcelo Gallardo, who previously managed River Plate and Al-Ittihad, was appointed as Ecuador's new head coach on September 13, 2026 [citation:11]. The Argentine takes charge of his first match against South Korea as Ecuador begins their cycle toward the 2030 World Cup. Gallardo acknowledged the limited preparation time: "Just yesterday (Tuesday) at night we had all the called-up players, there was no field work, added to the fatigue from travel hours" [citation:11][citation:17].
Team News and Absences
South Korea
Lee Kang-in (Atlético Madrid) and Cho Gue-sung did not participate in full team training, with Lee Kang-in only completing light running drills [citation:7]. Yang Hyun-jun and Bae Jun-ho were excluded due to Asian Games commitments, while Kim Min-su (Rangers), Jeong Seung-won, and Kim Geon-hee earned their first senior call-ups [citation:7][citation:15].
Ecuador
Ecuador will be without several key players:
- Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) — injured [citation:19]
- Piero Hincapié (Arsenal) — injured [citation:19]
- Gonzalo Plata (Flamengo) — muscle injury [citation:13]
- Kevin Rodríguez (Union Saint-Gilloise) — hamstring injury [citation:13]
- Joel Ordóñez — unavailable [citation:13]
Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain) is included and could face his former PSG teammate Lee Kang-in [citation:15].
Historical Context
South Korea and Ecuador have met three times historically, with South Korea holding a slight edge. The teams last faced each other in 2010, making this their first meeting in 16 years [citation:2][citation:15]. South Korea has scored 3 goals to Ecuador's 2 in those encounters [citation:2].
What's Next
South Korea: Uruguay (September 28, Seoul World Cup Stadium), Venezuela (October 2, Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium), Uzbekistan (October 6, Yongin Mireu Stadium) [citation:11].
Ecuador: Japan (October 1, International Stadium Yokohama — Kirin Cup), Panama or New Zealand (October 5, Tokyo — Kirin Cup).
Viewing Information
- South Korea: TV Chosun, tvN, Coupang Play [citation:4][citation:15]
- Ecuador: TC Televisión, Teleamazonas (free-to-air) [citation:4]
- India: Not available on TV or streaming [citation:4]
This article contains live match data that may be updated as the game progresses. All information is based on available sources as of September 24, 2026.
0 टिप्पणियाँ