Marcelo Bielsa has indicated he will leave Uruguay after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine coach addressed an event organised by the Uruguayan Football Association on Thursday and said, “Our job ends with the World Cup.”
Local reports in Uruguay claim Bielsa will not renew his contract once it expires after the tournament in North America. The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“It is a miracle in any professional’s sporting career to take part in the World Cup,” Bielsa said. “I will be forever grateful to Uruguay for allowing me to enjoy a competition like this.”
The tournament will mark Bielsa’s third World Cup as a manager. He led Argentina at the 2002 finals before guiding Chile at the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Bielsa took charge of Uruguay in 2023 after his spell at Leeds United. He started strongly and guided Uruguay to third place at the 2024 Copa America.
Results and relationships inside the camp have since come under pressure. Luis Suarez publicly criticised Bielsa last year and local media reported growing tension between the manager and parts of the squad.
Uruguay’s recent results have also raised concerns before the World Cup. The side suffered a 5-1 defeat against the United States last November and drew against England and Algeria in March.
Uruguay will open their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15. Bielsa’s side will then face Cape Verde and Spain in the remaining group matches.
