Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay head coach after World Cup exit

Diego Forlan was appointed head coach of Uruguay’s senior and Under-20 teams, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced on Thursday (August 6, 2026), replacing Marcelo Bielsa after Uruguay’s winless group-stage exit at the World Cup.

The 47-year-old former Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan forward won 112 caps for Uruguay and was part of the side that lifted the 2011 Copa America; he retired from playing in 2019. "Forlan returns ‌to ⁠where he left an indelible ⁠mark," the AUF said in a statement. "A role model, icon, and emblem of an unforgettable ​generation, the best ‌player of the 2010 South Africa World Cup returns now to contribute his experience, leadership, and profound knowledge ‌of international football from a ​technical position."

Bielsa left when his contract expired and acknowledged in a press conference that he had been unable to mould a talented squad into one capable of avoiding disappointment at the World Cup. Local media reports also highlighted tensions between Bielsa and some members of the squad during the tournament. The AUF framed Forlan’s hiring as part of Uruguay’s efforts to rebuild following Bielsa’s departure.

Since retiring from playing in 2019, Forlan has managed Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas, providing him with domestic coaching experience before taking the national roles. The AUF announced that Forlan will oversee both the senior and Under-20 setups as part of the new structure.

Forlan will begin his tenure immediately with the Under-20 team, the AUF said. He is scheduled to take charge of Uruguay’s friendly matches that are set to run between September and November.