Diego Forlan to take interim charge of Uruguay national team

Diego Forlan has agreed to become Uruguay head coach on an interim basis on 6 August 2026, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa after Uruguay failed to progress from their World Cup group. The appointment follows Bielsa's decision to step down from the role he held since May 2023.

Forlan scored 10 goals for Manchester United between 2002 and 2004. He scored 36 goals in 112 games for Uruguay. He won the Golden Ball as Uruguay reached the semi-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He announced his retirement from international football in March 2015.

He ended his playing career in 2018 after appearing for 10 clubs. His most memorable spells came at Spanish sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. His coaching experience to date includes brief stints with Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.

The 47-year-old has also been named coach for Uruguay's Under-20 team, alongside the senior first team. This dual role accompanies his interim charge of the senior national side.

Ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa became Uruguay boss in May 2023 and won 15 of his 39 games in charge. He stepped down after Uruguay failed to qualify from the group stage at the World Cup, and the 70-year-old Argentine said his tenure "left nothing behind".

Forlan is set to take charge for Uruguay's friendlies this autumn before a permanent manager is appointed at the end of this year or the start of 2027.