Uruguay have appointed legendary former striker Diego Forlan as interim head coach following Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation after the team’s group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Uruguayan Football Association announced the appointment on Sunday as the South American nation begins rebuilding after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Forlan, 47, takes charge after Uruguay finished third in their group with two points, behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, failing to reach the knockout stage.
Bielsa stepped down shortly after the tournament ended following the underwhelming performance.
According to the football association, Forlan’s initial contract will run until March 2027, when his performance will be assessed before a decision is made on whether to retain him or appoint a permanent coach for the next World Cup cycle.
He will also continue in his role as head coach of Uruguay’s Under-20 team, which is preparing for the 2027 South American U-20 Championship.
Forlan’s appointment marks the return of one of Uruguay’s most celebrated footballers to the national team in a coaching capacity.
The former forward played a pivotal role 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 as the best player.
During his club career, Forlan featured for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Internacional, earning recognition as one of the top forwards of his generation.
He now faces the challenge of restoring Uruguay’s fortunes as the team begins preparations for the next international cycle.