The reported South Korea lineup places Son Heung-min alongside Hwang Hee-chan and Oh Hyeon-gyu, giving interim coach Robert Moreno a front three with pace, movement and experience.
Lee Kang-in is also listed in midfield, where his ability to receive between the lines could be central to South Korea’s approach. With Son starting, the hosts have a clear outlet in transition and a player capable of turning a controlled friendly into a demanding test for Ecuador’s defence.
The reported back four includes Kim Min-jae, while Kim Seung-gyu is expected to start in goal. That combination gives South Korea a strong spine, although the match will reveal whether Moreno wants a cautious structure or a more aggressive press.
Gallardo’s first challenge is reportedly complicated by the absence of Piero Hincapié and Moisés Caicedo, two important Ecuador players. Their absence would remove defensive authority and midfield control from a side still adapting to a new coach.
The reported Ecuador selection includes Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Carlos Gruezo and Alan Franco, with Michael Estrada leading the attack. For Gallardo, the priority will be identifying which players can carry his ideas into competitive football rather than simply chasing a friendly result.
South Korea can use the fixture to sharpen its attacking relationships, particularly between Son, Hwang and Lee. Ecuador, meanwhile, must test its defensive balance and midfield spacing without two high-profile absentees.
The next storyline will be whether Son’s reported role becomes the foundation of South Korea’s next cycle, and whether Gallardo leaves the match with a clearer core group for Ecuador’s upcoming competitive fixtures.