# Forlán interim, AUF search & Suárez omission > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-coaches-face-backlash-after-omitting-star-strikers-from-2026-world-cup-provisional-sq > Updated: 2026-09-16T20:49:41.000Z. Sources: 414. Developments: 42. Following Uruguay’s group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup, Diego Forlán has assumed his role as interim head coach for both the senior and U-20 national teams. Forlán’s tenure is expected to continue until the AUF presidential elections in March 2027. In his coaching debut for the U-20 side, Forlán oversaw a 0-2 defeat against Paraguay in a closed-door international friendly at the Complejo Celeste in Montevideo. Paraguay secured the win via a 15th-minute own goal and a 28th-minute strike from Junio Gamarra. Forlán utilized 27 local players, including Facundo Abreu, as part of the preparation for the South American Games in Santa Fe and the U-20 South American Championship. For the senior squad, Forlán initially announced a 46-player preliminary list for the upcoming international window. The roster featured nine players from the Brazilian league, including Alexander Barboza, Puma Rodríguez, Guillermo Varela, Arrascaeta, Emiliano Martínez, Canobbio, Luciano Rodríguez, and Villalba. Notably, Barboza has been included following his naturalization process. Despite previous indications of openness toward a comeback for veteran striker Luis Suárez, the 39-year-old was omitted from this preliminary squad, along with Nico De La Cruz. For the upcoming Asia tour, Forlán has since narrowed the selection to a 26-man squad. This roster includes 18 players from the 2026 World Cup squad, such as Darwin Núñez, Federico Valverde, and Ronald Araújo. New inclusions feature goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo, defender Juan Rodríguez, and midfielder Facundo Bernal, alongside the returns of Nahitan Nández and Lucas Torreira. Uruguay is scheduled to face Japan on September 24, South Korea on September 28, and India on October 6. ## Claims - Diego Forlán was appointed interim head coach of Uruguay senior national team. (disputed by 18 sources) - Diego Forlán appointed head coach of Uruguay U20 national team. (disputed by 17 sources) - Diego Forlán is the new head coach of the Uruguay national team. (disputed by 3 sources) - Diego Forlán will also serve as coach of Uruguay U20 national team. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Uruguay was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Diego Forlán earned 112 caps and scored 36 goals for Uruguay. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Diego Forlán was named the best player of the 2010 World Cup. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Forlán's first friendly as interim coach is scheduled for 24 September against Japan. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Forlán will lead the U20 team toward the 2027 U20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. (corroborated by 11 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Uruguay national team squad announced for Asian tour Diego Forlán has named his first 26-man Uruguay squad for an upcoming Asian tour featuring friendlies against Japan, South Korea, and India. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-national-team-squad-announced-for-asia-tour ### 2026-09-05: Uruguay announces provisional squad under new coach Diego Forlán New Uruguay coach Diego Forlán has named a 46-man provisional squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan, South Korea, and India, featuring stars like Federico Valverde but omitting Luis Suárez. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-national-team-announces-first-squad-under-diego-forln ### 2026-08-26: Diego Forlán debuts as Uruguay U-20 coach with loss to Paraguay Diego Forlán's debut as Uruguay U-20 head coach resulted in a 2-0 friendly loss to Paraguay at the Complejo Celeste. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-debuts-as-uruguay-u-20-coach-with-loss-to-paraguay ### 2026-08-24: Diego Forlan suggests Luis Suarez return to Uruguay national team Interim Uruguay manager Diego Forlan has opened the door for Luis Suarez to return to the national team following the country's exit from the 2026 World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forlan-suggests-luis-suarez-return-to-uruguay-national-team ### 2026-08-23: Diego Forlán debuts as Uruguay U-20 coach with loss to Paraguay Diego Forlán’s debut as Uruguay U-20 head coach ended in a 0-2 loss to Paraguay in a closed-door friendly in Montevideo. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-begins-coaching-tenure-with-uruguay-u-20-and-senior-teams ### 2026-08-21: River Plate and Luis Suárez face major roster developments River Plate recovers key players Sebastián Driussi and Marcos Acuña for their upcoming match, while Luis Suárez nears a potential return to the Uruguayan national team under interim coach Diego Forlán. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luis-surez-nears-return-to-uruguay-national-team ### 2026-08-10: Diego Forlán appointed interim Uruguay national team manager Diego Forlán has been named interim manager of the Uruguay national team, opening the door for a potential return of striker Luis Suárez. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-leaves-door-open-for-luis-surez-return-to-uruguay ### 2026-08-06: Diego Forlán named interim coach of Uruguay senior and U20 teams Diego Forlán was appointed interim coach of Uruguay’s senior and U‑20 teams after Marcelo Bielsa quit following the 2026 World Cup group‑stage exit; he will lead the senior side in September‑October friendlies, 45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-appointed-interim-coach-of-uruguay-national-football-team ### 2026-07-31: Diego Forlán appointed interim coach of Uruguay senior and U20 national teams Diego Forlán has been named interim coach of Uruguay’s senior team and head of the U20 side, replacing Marcelo Bielsa and overseeing upcoming friendlies and youth tournaments through March 2027. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-appointed-interim-coach-of-uruguay-senior-and-u20-teams ### 2026-07-21: Flamengo beats Chapecoense 4-0, narrows gap to league leader Flamengo beat Chapecoense 4‑0, with Pedro scoring twice, keeping the club seven points behind league‑leading Palmeiras and maintaining its vice‑leader spot. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flamengo-registers-arrascaeta-for-brasileiro-match-after-world-cup-injury ### 2026-07-17: Flamengo caps unbeaten interseason with 4‑2 victory over Olimpia Flamengo ended its interseason unbeaten run with a 4‑2 friendly win over Olimpia in Brasília, highlighted by three assists from Samuel Lino and setting up the club’s return to the Brasileirão on 22 July. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flamengo-eyes-arrascaetas-return-for-serie-a-comeback ### 2026-07-13: Diego Forlán named interim coach of Uruguay after World Cup exit Diego Forlán, former Uruguay star, has been named interim head coach after Marcelo Bielsa quit following the team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup; his contract runs to March 2027 and he will also oversee U 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-appointed-uruguay-national-team-coach ### 2026-07-10: Uruguayan midfielder Diego Hernández signs with Brazil's Sport Recife until 2027 Uruguayan midfielder Diego Hernández has signed with Brazil's Sport Recife until Dec 31 2027 after loan spells, including a key role in Remo’s promotion. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguayan-midfielder-diego-hernndez-signs-with-brazils-sport-recife-until-2027 ### 2026-07-09: Diego Forlán named interim coach of Uruguay after Bielsa resignation Diego Forlán, former striker, is interim coach of Uruguay’s senior and U‑20 teams after Bielsa quit post‑World Cup 2026 exit, serving until March 2027 and overseeing friendlies, qualifiers and the 2027 U‑20 Sud 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diego-forln-named-uruguay-u20-coach ### 2026-07-07: Flamengo midfielder Arrascaeta returns to training after World Cup Flamengo's Uruguayan midfielder Arrascaeta returns to training after the World Cup, entering the final stage of rehab and joining teammates Varela and De la Cruz, with the club preparing for the season's second 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flamengo-midfielder-arrascaeta-returns-to-training ### 2026-07-05: Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera defended amid criticism after early World Cup exit Uruguay’s early 2026 World Cup exit drew criticism of coach Bielsa and keeper Muslera; ex‑goalkeeper Carlos Goyén defended Muslera, saying the blame was unfair and the defensive errors were shared. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-goalkeeper-muslera-defended-amid-criticism-after-early-world-cup-exit ### 2026-07-01: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa denies feud with Valverde after World Cup group exit Uruguay exited the World Cup group stage after a loss to Spain; coach Marcelo Bielsa denied any feud with Federico Valverde, took responsibility and cited training and recovery issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-denies-feud-with-valverde-after-world-cup-group-exit ### 2026-07-01: World Cup 2026 coaches Graham Potter and Marcelo Bielsa respond to early exits Sweden’s Graham Potter said losing to France at the World Cup was no shame, while Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa resigned after his team’s group‑stage exit. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-cup-2026-coaches-graham-potter-and-marcelo-bielsa-respond-to-early-exits ### 2026-06-30: Portugal and Uruguay face coach scrutiny after poor World Cup 2026 outings Portugal's midfield under Roberto Martínez and Uruguay's squad under Marcelo Bielsa both underperform at World Cup 2026, prompting criticism of the coaches. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-and-uruguay-face-coach-scrutiny-after-poor-world-cup-2026-outings ### 2026-06-29: Uruguay's Marcelo Bielsa returns after early World Cup exit; Sweden prepares to face France Uruguay’s early World Cup exit sees coach Marcelo Bielsa return home, while Sweden advances to the round of 16 and gears up to play France. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguays-marcelo-bielsa-returns-after-early-world-cup-exit-sweden-prepares-to-face-france ### 2026-06-28: Fernando Muslera's fever and Forlán's defense spotlight Uruguay's World Cup exit Uruguay’s Muslera played with a 40 °C fever, prompting Diego Forlán’s defense, while Lucas Torreira blamed coach Marcelo Bielsa for the World Cup elimination; Forlán offered to coach the team. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/var-controversies-spark-memes-around-colombias-davinson-sanchez-and-uruguays-goalkeeper-muslera ### 2026-06-28: Uruguay's World Cup exit triggers Bielsa departure and Ugarte injury crisis Uruguay’s World Cup exit saw coach Bielsa resign, Muslera’s fever disclosed, and Ugarte’s ACL injury derail Manchester United’s midfield plans. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcelo-bielsa-rebukes-uruguay-squad-after-world-cup-2026-group-stage-exit ### 2026-06-28: Uruguay's early World Cup exit prompts club responses in Brazil Uruguay's World Cup group exit leads Palmeiras to reintegrate players Piquerez and Martínez and prompts Inter to confirm coach Pezzolano stays, denying any release clause. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguays-early-world-cup-exit-prompts-club-responses-in-brazil ### 2026-06-27: Marcelo Gallardo emerges as top candidate to coach Uruguay's national football team Marcelo Gallardo, ex‑River coach now ESPN analyst, is in talks with Uruguay's FA to replace Bielsa as national team manager. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcelo-gallardo-emerges-as-top-candidate-to-coach-uruguays-national-football-team ### 2026-06-27: Uruguay federation cancels charter flight after early World Cup 2026 exit Uruguay exits the 2026 World Cup early, prompting criticism of goalkeeper Muslera and coach Bielsa, and leading the federation to cancel a charter flight, forcing players like Facundo Pellistri to return home ​ 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-goalkeeper-fernando-muslera-apologises-after-early-world-cup-exit ### 2026-06-26: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa under fire as team seeks World Cup group survival Uruguay sits on two points after draws with Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica, sparking criticism of coach Marcelo Bielsa, who says a win over Spain is essential to stay in the World Cup. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-under-fire-as-team-seeks-world-cup-group-survival ### 2026-06-26: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa criticised after early World Cup 2026 exit Uruguay’s early 2026 World Cup exit led to sharp criticism of coach Marcelo Bielsa, whose €4 million salary was dubbed a waste; he accepted responsibility amid player‑coach tensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-criticised-after-early-world-cup-2026-exit ### 2026-06-26: Spain's Luis de la Fuente praises Marcelo Bielsa before World Cup clash Spain coach Luis de la Fuente lauds Marcelo Bielsa’s innovation ahead of the World Cup Group H game versus Uruguay, noting their shared Bilbao roots. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-luis-de-la-fuente-praises-marcelo-bielsa-before-world-cup-clash ### 2026-06-26: Uruguay exits World Cup 2026 as Bielsa resigns and AUF cancels charter flight Uruguay’s 1‑0 loss to Spain ended their World Cup run; Bielsa quit, AUF scrapped the charter return, Muslera was subbed, and Spain mourned injuries to Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. 141 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-knocked-out-of-world-cup-2026-group-stage-coach-bielsa-criticized ### 2026-06-26: Uruguay Football Federation Cancels Charter Return Flight After World Cup Elimination Uruguay exits the 2026 World Cup after a 0‑1 loss to Spain; the AUF cancels the team's charter flight home, forcing players to find commercial tickets, while coach Marcelo Bielsa departs and midfielder Manuel U 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-clashes-with-players-before-world-cup-loss-to-spain ### 2026-06-26: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa attacks modern football and World Cup changes Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa denounces modern football’s commercial growth, the 48‑team World Cup format, and halftime hydration breaks, sparking debate as his team seeks knockout progress. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-attacks-modern-football-and-world-cup-changes ### 2026-06-25: Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay World Cup campaign sparks heated criticism Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay World Cup stint faces criticism after poor results and his anti‑commercial stance, with the coach taking responsibility for the team's two points. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcelo-bielsas-uruguay-world-cup-campaign-sparks-heated-criticism ### 2026-06-19: Uruguay shifts to Bielsa's high‑risk style ahead of World Cup 2026 Uruguay defender Giménez discusses blending historic identity with Marcelo Bielsa's offensive tactics, while Bielsa hails Federico Valverde and looks to a World Cup 2026 win over Cabo Verde. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-shifts-to-bielsas-highrisk-style-ahead-of-world-cup-2026 ### 2026-06-16: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa defends unusual World Cup portrait pose Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa says he owes no explanation for his down‑cast World Cup portrait that sparked memes after a 1‑1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-defends-unusual-world-cup-portrait-pose ### 2026-06-15: Flamengo accuses Uruguay and coach Bielsa of mishandling Arrascaeta's injury Flamengo says Uruguay and coach Marcelo Bielsa broke agreed medical protocols, forcing midfielder Giorgian Arrascaeta back early and causing a calf injury that sidelines him for the World Cup opener, with a可能返回 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/flamengo-blames-uruguay-and-bielsa-for-arrascaeta-injury-ahead-of-world-cup ### 2026-06-14: Marcelo Bielsa Defends Photo Stance as Uruguay Coach Amid Player Injury Dispute Marcelo Bielsa’s down‑looking World Cup photo went viral, prompting his “no‑need‑to‑explain” reply, while Flamengo alleges his staff forced player Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s premature return, sparking a dispute. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-draws-media-attention-and-club-criticism-ahead-of-world-cup ### 2026-06-10: Marcelo Bielsa's brief press interview sparks tension before Uruguay's World Cup debut Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa sparked a contentious press conference in Buenos Aires and later gave a 38‑second interview, briefly addressing World Cup expectations, Ronald Araujo’s injury and the team's lineup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcelo-bielsas-brief-press-interview-sparks-tension-before-uruguays-world-cup-debut ### 2026-06-10: Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa slams early South American player sales before Brazil clash Marcelo Bielsa criticized early transfers of South American players before Uruguay’s Copa America match with Brazil and later gave a record‑short interview in Mexico about World Cup preparations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-marcelo-bielsa-slams-early-south-american-player-sales-before-brazil-clash ### 2026-06-02: Uruguay leaves Luis Suárez out of 2026 World Cup squad, Bielsa cites form Uruguay’s 2026 World Cup squad omits Luis Suárez as coach Marcelo Bielsa chooses younger forwards, citing recent form over personal issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-leaves-luis-surez-out-of-2026-world-cup-squad-bielsa-cites-form ### 2026-05-31: Uruguay selects Panathinaikos winger Fakhund Pelistri for 2026 World Cup squad Uruguay names Panathinaikos winger Fakhund Pelistri, 24, in its 26‑player squad for the 2026 World Cup under coach Marcelo Bielsa. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-selects-panathinaikos-winger-fakhund-pelistri-for-2026-world-cup-squad ### 2026-05-21: Marcelo Bielsa to step down as Uruguay coach after 2026 World Cup Marcelo Bielsa said he will leave his role as Uruguay coach after the 2026 World Cup, ending his three‑year contract and confirming no renewal. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcelo-bielsa-to-step-down-as-uruguay-coach-after-2026-world-cup ### 2026-05-12: Uruguay coach Bielsa omits Luis Suárez from 2026 World Cup pre‑list Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa leaves veteran striker Luis Suárez off the 2026 World Cup preliminary roster. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-coach-bielsa-omits-luis-surez-from-2026-world-cup-prelist --- Cite as: Forlán interim, AUF search & Suárez omission. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-coaches-face-backlash-after-omitting-star-strikers-from-2026-world-cup-provisional-sq