Uruguay have turned to one of their greatest-ever footballers to guide the national team into a new era, with Diego Forlan set to take charge as interim manager following Marcelo Bielsa’s exit.
Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Ignacio Alonso confirmed that Forlan will lead La Celeste until March 2027, after which his position will be reviewed.
Bielsa stepped down after Uruguay’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the group stage after collecting just two points from matches against Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
The AUF decided against making a long-term appointment due to upcoming federation elections, leaving Forlan’s future to be determined after the interim period.
“The AUF Executive Committee chose Diego,” Alonso said. “We met with him back in 2022 to bring him into the project. He is now very enthusiastic.”
The two-time European Golden Boot winner will oversee Uruguay’s fixtures in the September, October and November international windows, including preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign. He will also coach Uruguay at the 2027 South American U20 Championship.
Forlan returns to management with limited experience, having previously coached Peñarol in 2020 and second-tier side Atenas de San Carlos in 2021.
However, his legendary status gives him immediate credibility. Forlan was the star of Uruguay’s memorable 2010 World Cup campaign, scoring five goals, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and leading his country to the semifinals.
