Diego Forlán Takes Over as Uruguay Coach Following Bielsa

The Uruguay Football Association announced today, Thursday, the appointment of former national team legend Diego Forlán as the head coach of the senior team, succeeding Argentine Marcelo Bielsa after a disappointing exit from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Diego Forlán, aged 47, will take charge of the senior national team alongside the Uruguay U20 team, starting his duties immediately. His tenure with the senior team will be temporary for the time being, as evaluations continue regarding his future at the helm of the coaching staff.

Forlán is considered one of the standout stars of Uruguayan football, having played 112 international matches and scored 36 goals. He led his country to a fourth-place finish in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He also played a crucial role in Uruguay's triumph at the 2011 Copa América.

At the club level, Forlán previously played for Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. He also had coaching stints with Peñarol and Atenas in Uruguay, before now getting the opportunity to lead his national team in a new phase following Bielsa's departure.

Diego Forlán's appointment comes after the end of Bielsa's tenure with the 'Celeste', following their exit from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, marking the beginning of a rebuilding phase for Uruguay led by one of the key figures of their golden generation.