Uruguay appoint Diego Forlan as interim head coach

Uruguay have appointed former striker, Diego Forlan, as interim head coach after Marcelo Bielsa resigned following the country’s group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the appointment on Sunday, with Forlan taking charge as the national team begins preparations for a new international cycle.

The 47-year-old replaces Bielsa after Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

La Celeste finished third in their group with two points, behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, and failed to reach the knockout stage.

According to the federation, Forlan’s initial contract will run until March 2027 and then is performance will then be assessed before a decision is made on whether to extend his tenure or appoint a permanent head coach.

In addition to leading the senior national team, Forlan will continue as head coach of Uruguay’s Under-20 side, which is preparing for the 2027 South American U-20 Championship.

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Forlan’s appointment marks the return of one of Uruguay’s most celebrated football figures to the national team in a coaching capacity.

The former forward played a key role in Uruguay’s resurgence on the international stage and enjoyed one of the finest tournaments of his career at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He scored five goals, helped Uruguay reach the semi-finals and won the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.

At club level, Forlan represented Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Internacional, earning recognition as one of the leading forwards of his generation.

He now begins the task of rebuilding Uruguay following their early World Cup exit while seeking to guide the two-time world champions back to international contention.