Uruguay have appointed former international striker Diego Forlán as the national team’s new head coach following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.
The appointment was officially confirmed by Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Ignacio Alonso, with the 47-year-old set to lead the national side on an interim basis until March 2027.
Forlán succeeds Bielsa after Uruguay’s disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The AUF has opted against offering a long-term contract at this stage, with the association expected to review the coaching position following its upcoming presidential elections.
During his interim spell, Forlán will oversee Uruguay’s fixtures in September, October and November, including the team’s opening qualifiers for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In addition to his senior national team responsibilities, he will also manage Uruguay’s Under-20 side at the Copa América scheduled for January 2027.
The role represents the latest step in Forlán’s coaching career. Since retiring from playing, the former Manchester United and Atlético Madrid forward has managed Peñarol and later second-division side Atenas de San Carlos in his homeland.
