It was a disaster for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, as they crashed out of the tournament in the group stage.
The winners of the first-ever World Cup tournament in 1930, who this time out were managed by former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, went winless, drawing with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia, as well as losing to Spain.
As well as exiting early, Uruguay were hindered by a devastating injury to Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The 25-year-old was a player the Red Devils had wanted to sell this summer, but those plans will no longer go ahead as Ugarte starts a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed after the historic nation was knocked out that he would leave at the end of his contract, honestly reflecting on his time with the national side, telling the media, “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football”.
The 70-year-old vacates the role in a downbeat period for Uruguayan football. However, the next appointment is already set to be made.
President of the Uruguayan Football Association, Ignacio Alonso, has confirmed that former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan will be the new head coach of Uruguay until March 2027, according to MARCA.
After March, the Uruguayan Football Association will decide whether to look for another coach or continue with Forlan, who will manage the nation’s games in September, October and November, as well as overseeing the Under-20 National Team that will compete in the South American Championship in January 2027.
Uruguay President Alonso has revealed, “The AUF Executive Committee chose Diego. We met with him back in 2022 to bring him into the project. He is now very enthusiastic.”
It’s an exciting opportunity for the former Manchester United star, who scored 17 goals in a two-year stint at Old Trafford before heading off on several other ventures. Forlan remains very much invested in United, returning to Old Trafford last season.
Uruguay are in need of some footballing inspiration – Forlan could just be the man to give it to them.
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