Diego Forlán named interim coach of Uruguay after World Cup exit

After Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – drawing with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde and losing to Spain – coach Marcelo Bielsa resigned. Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Ignacio Alonso announced that former striker Diego Forlán will take over as interim head coach. The AUF executive committee said, "El Comité Ejecutivo de la AUF se decidió por Diego," and confirmed Forlán’s contract runs until March 2027, when AUF elections will decide whether to retain him permanently.

Forlán, 47, is a national icon with 112 caps, 36 goals, a 2010 World Cup Golden Ball, and a 2011 Copa América title. His coaching résumé is modest – brief stints with Peñarol in 2020 and Atenas in 2021 – and he will also continue as coach of Uruguay’s Under‑20 team ahead of the 2027 South American U‑20 Championship. He is expected to lead the senior side in upcoming friendlies and the early qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup, aiming to rebuild the squad after the recent disappointment.