Uruguay appoint Forlan as head coach after World Cup debacle

Former footballer Diego Forlan. | Photo Credit: Reuters Diego Forlan has been named head coach of Uruguay's senior ​and Under-20s sides, the country's FA (AUF) ‌announced on Thursday (August 6, 2026).The 47-year-old former Manchester ​United, Atletico Madrid and Inter ⁠Milan forward succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, who left after a winless group-stage exit in Uruguay's ‌World Cup campaign.Forlan will begin his tenure immediately with the ‌Under-20 team, the AUF said."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."The appointment is part of Uruguay's efforts to rebuild ⁠following Bielsa's departure.The Argentine 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.Forlan, who won 112 caps and helped Uruguay lift the 2011 ⁠Copa America title, retired from playing ⁠in 2019 and has since coached Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.He ‌will take charge of Uruguay's friendly matches scheduled between September and ​November. Published - August 07, 2026 02:13 am IST