Uruguay have appointed former striker Diego Forlán as interim head coach of the national team following Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation after La Celeste’s group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced on Sunday.
Forlán, 47, takes charge after Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup campaign, in which the two-time champions finished third in their group with two points, behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, and failed to reach the knockout stage. Bielsa stepped down shortly after the tournament ended.
According to the AUF, Forlán’s initial contract will run until March 2027, when his performance will be reviewed before a decision is taken on whether to retain him or appoint a permanent head coach for the next World Cup cycle. He will also continue as head coach of Uruguay’s Under-20 team, which is preparing for the 2027 South American Under-20 Championship.
Forlán’s appointment marks the return of one of Uruguay’s most celebrated footballers to the national team in a leadership role.
The former forward was instrumental in Uruguay’s run to the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, scoring five goals and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award as its outstanding player.
During a distinguished club career, Forlán played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Internacional, earning widespread recognition for his goalscoring ability, technical quality and leadership.
The former Uruguay international now faces the challenge of rebuilding the national team as it begins preparations for the next international cycle.
