Diego Forlan (foto: Twitter)
Uruguay have dismissed Marcelo Bielsa after their World Cup group-stage exit, with Diego Forlán appointed as interim national team coach.
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Uruguay have reacted swiftly to their disappointing
World Cup campaign by dismissing head coach
Marcelo Bielsa and appointing national team legend
Diego Forlán as interim manager.
The decision comes after Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage elimination, despite entering the tournament with ambitions of challenging for the title.
Bielsa's reign ended on a sour note. Although he guided Uruguay to third place at the 2025 Copa América, expectations for the World Cup were significantly higher. Instead of competing for the latter stages, the South Americans exited early, while reports also emerged of growing tensions between the coach and several senior players.
Controversial decisions proved costly
Bielsa came under particular scrutiny for his tactical choices during the decisive defeat against Spain.
The veteran coach substituted experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at half-time before later withdrawing star midfielder Federico Valverde, decisions that reportedly deepened divisions within the squad.
Uruguay's football federation has now turned to one of the country's greatest football icons.
A legend returns
Forlán remains one of the most celebrated players in Uruguayan football history.
He won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup after scoring five goals and inspiring Uruguay to a fourth-place finish.
The former striker scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for his country, with only Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani finding the net more often for Uruguay.
According to Uruguayan media, Forlán will remain in charge until March 2027 while also continuing his role as head coach of the Uruguay Under-20 national team. One of his first assignments will be the South American U20 Championship early next year.
The Montevideo-born former forward enjoyed an outstanding club career with Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan.
His finest years came in Spain, where he established himself as one of La Liga's most prolific strikers. During the 2008/09 season with Atlético Madrid, he scored 32 league goals in 33 appearances, one of the greatest campaigns of his career.