Diego Forlan was named interim head coach of Uruguay's senior and Under-20 national teams on August 6, 2026, following Marcelo Bielsa's departure after Uruguay's winless group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. The 47-year-old former forward begins coaching immediately with the Under-20 team and will lead Uruguay's scheduled friendly matches from September through November 2026 [4, 1, 2, 3].
Forlan succeeds Bielsa, who took over the senior side in May 2023 and won 15 of 39 games before stepping down when his contract expired post-World Cup failure [4, 1, 3]. Bielsa said, "I have been unable to mould a talented squad into one capable of avoiding disappointment at the World Cup" [1]. Local media also reported tensions between Bielsa and some players during the tournament [1, 2, 3].
As a player, Forlan earned 112 caps for Uruguay, scoring 36 goals. Sources differ on his international retirement year—either 2015 or 2019—but he ended his professional playing career in 2018. He helped Uruguay win the 2011 Copa America [4, 1, 2, 3]. Forlan played club football for Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan [4, 1, 2, 3].
Before his national team appointment, Forlan gained coaching experience with Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas [4, 1, 2, 3]. The Uruguay Football Association stated, "Forlan returns to where he left an indelible mark. 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" [1].
Forlan will lead Uruguay's friendlies from September to November 2026 as the federation evaluates the way forward with its senior and youth teams [4, 1, 2, 3].
