Uruguay Appoint Diego Forlán Interim Head Coach After Bielsa Exit
Uruguay have appointed former captain Diego Forlán as interim head coach of the national team following the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa after the country's disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the appointment on Sunday, with Forlán taking charge after Uruguay failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The two-time world champions finished third in their group with just two points, ending behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, a result that brought Bielsa's tenure to an early conclusion.
The 47-year-old has signed a short-term contract that will keep him in charge until March 2027. The federation will then decide whether to appoint him on a permanent basis or seek another coach to lead the team into the next World Cup cycle.
Forlán will also continue as head coach of Uruguay's Under-20 side as they prepare for the 2027 South American U-20 Championship.
One of Uruguay's greatest footballers, Forlán enjoyed a distinguished international career, helping his country reach the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
He scored five goals during the tournament and won the Golden Ball as the competition's best player.
At club level, the former striker played for top teams including Manchester United, Villarreal CF, Atlético Madrid and Sport Club Internacional, earning a reputation as one of the finest forwards of his generation.
His immediate challenge will be to rebuild the senior national team and restore confidence after one of Uruguay's most disappointing World Cup campaigns in recent years.
Bielsa, who took charge of Uruguay in 2023, oversaw the team's early qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
However, the nation's group-stage elimination ultimately led to his resignation, prompting the federation to turn to Forlán as it begins planning for the next international cycle.
The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the appointment on Sunday, with Forlán taking charge after Uruguay failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The two-time world champions finished third in their group with just two points, ending behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, a result that brought Bielsa's tenure to an early conclusion.
The 47-year-old has signed a short-term contract that will keep him in charge until March 2027. The federation will then decide whether to appoint him on a permanent basis or seek another coach to lead the team into the next World Cup cycle.
Forlán will also continue as head coach of Uruguay's Under-20 side as they prepare for the 2027 South American U-20 Championship.
One of Uruguay's greatest footballers, Forlán enjoyed a distinguished international career, helping his country reach the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
He scored five goals during the tournament and won the Golden Ball as the competition's best player.
At club level, the former striker played for top teams including Manchester United, Villarreal CF, Atlético Madrid and Sport Club Internacional, earning a reputation as one of the finest forwards of his generation.
His immediate challenge will be to rebuild the senior national team and restore confidence after one of Uruguay's most disappointing World Cup campaigns in recent years.
Bielsa, who took charge of Uruguay in 2023, oversaw the team's early qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
However, the nation's group-stage elimination ultimately led to his resignation, prompting the federation to turn to Forlán as it begins planning for the next international cycle.
