Uruguay have appointed legendary former striker Diego Forlán as interim head coach of the national team following Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation after La Celeste’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Uruguayan Football Association announced the appointment on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the national team after a campaign that fell short of expectations.
Forlán, 47, assumes the role at a challenging time as Uruguay seek to recover from one of their poorest World Cup performances in recent history.
The South American side finished third in their group with just two points, behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, and failed to progress to the knockout stage. The disappointing campaign brought Bielsa’s tenure to an end, with the Argentine stepping down shortly after the tournament.
The Uruguayan Football Association said Forlán’s initial contract will run until March 2027, when his performance will be reviewed before a decision is made on whether to retain him or appoint a permanent head coach for the next World Cup cycle.
In addition to leading the senior national team, Forlán will continue as head coach of Uruguay’s Under-20 side, which is preparing for the 2027 South American U-20 Championship.
The appointment carries significant symbolic importance for Uruguayan football. Forlán is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest players and played a pivotal role in restoring Uruguay’s prominence on the international stage.
He enjoyed a memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, scoring five goals to help Uruguay reach the semi-finals. His outstanding performances earned him the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.
At club level, Forlán represented Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Internacional, establishing himself as one of the finest forwards of his generation with his clinical finishing, powerful shooting, versatility and leadership.
The former striker will now seek to replicate his success on the touchline as he begins the task of rebuilding Uruguay ahead of the next international cycle.
