Diego Forlan Takes Interim Charge of Uruguay's Senior and U-20 Teams

The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed that Diego Forlan has been appointed interim head coach of the senior national team and the Under-20 side, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa after the latter resigned following Uruguay's group-stage exit at the World Cup. The 47-year-old former Golden Ball winner will lead the team in upcoming friendlies in September, October and March, with his agreement leaving open the possibility of a longer tenure.

Uruguay, two-time world champions, failed to progress past the group stage for the second consecutive tournament, losing to Spain after draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Bielsa, now 71, faced criticism for his tactics and for recalling goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from retirement, which resulted in costly errors. Forlan's coaching résumé is modest, featuring an 11-match spell at Penarol in 2020 and a 12-game period with Atenas in 2021, but he remains a celebrated figure after scoring 36 goals in 112 caps and winning the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball.