Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa under fire as team seeks World Cup group survival

Uruguay's opening matches at the World Cup have left them with just two points after a 1‑1 draw with Saudi Arabia and a 2‑2 draw with Costa Rica, putting them at risk of finishing bottom of Group H.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa, hired three years ago on a four‑million‑dollar‑a‑year contract, is facing intense criticism from Uruguayan media and players. After the Costa Rica draw, a 50‑minute meeting was held; Bielsa’s tactical instructions were rejected, several players left in anger, and journalists called him a “clown” who fills his own pockets.

Bielsa warned that Uruguay must beat Spain in the final group match to stay alive. A win would keep their hopes of advancing, while a loss or draw would likely mean elimination and could spell the end of Bielsa’s tenure at the tournament.