Diego Forlán named interim coach of Uruguay after Bielsa resignation

Former striker Diego Forlán, 47, has been appointed interim head coach of the Uruguay senior national team and the U‑20 side following Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation. Bielsa stepped down after Uruguay’s early exit in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, where the team finished third in Group H with two points.

The appointment was confirmed by AUF president Ignacio Alonso, who said the deal would be finalised within hours and that Forlán will lead the senior squad in upcoming friendlies in September, October and November, as well as the early qualification matches for the 2030 World Cup. He will also coach the U‑20 team at the South American Championship in January 2027. The interim term runs until March 2027, after which the federation’s upcoming elections will decide his long‑term future.

Forlán’s coaching résumé includes brief spells with Peñarol in 2020 (11 games) and Atenas de San Carlos in 2021 (12 games). As a player he earned 112 caps, scored 36 goals and won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup. The AUF highlighted his enthusiasm and experience, noting that his appointment is part of a “Mission 2030” plan to rebuild Uruguay football.