Uruguay has appointed legendary former striker Diego Forlan 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, ushering in a new era for the national team after a campaign that fell well short of expectations.
Forlan, 47, takes charge at a difficult moment as Uruguay looks to recover from one of its poorest World Cup performances in recent history.
Uruguay finished third in its group with just two points, ending behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia to crash out before the knockout stages. The disappointing campaign brought Bielsa’s tenure to an end, with the Argentine stepping down shortly after the tournament concluded.
The Uruguayan Football Association said Forlán’s initial contract will run until March 2027. His performance will then be reviewed before a decision is made on whether to extend his stay or appoint a permanent head coach for the next World Cup cycle.
Alongside his role with 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, a key competition for the country’s emerging talents.
Uruguay icon returns to lead national team
Forlan’s appointment carries significant symbolic value for Uruguayan football.
The former forward is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever players and was a central figure in the generation that restored Uruguay’s status on the international stage.
His standout performances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa remain among the finest by a Uruguayan player. Forlan scored five goals, inspired Uruguay to the semifinals and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
During his club career, Forlan starred for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid and Internacional, earning a reputation as one of the most complete forwards of his generation thanks to his finishing, powerful shooting, versatility and leadership.
The former striker will now look to translate that success into management as he begins the task of rebuilding Uruguay ahead of the next international cycle.
