The legend returns. Uruguay unveils new head coach after World Cup disappointment
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The Uruguay national football team has appointed a new head coach. Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), officially confirmed the appointment of legendary former striker Diego Forlán as the new leader of the national squad.
The 47-year-old specialist takes over from Marcelo Bielsa, who left the post following Uruguay’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Forlán will be at the helm on an interim basis until March 2027, after which the AUF leadership will decide on his future. It is noted that a long-term contract is not being offered at this stage due to the upcoming presidential elections within the association.
Under the guidance of the two-time Golden Boot winner, Uruguay will play their September, October, and November fixtures, including matches in the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup. In addition, Forlán will also oversee the Uruguay U-20 side, which is set to compete at the Copa América in January 2027.
This marks a fresh coaching challenge for Forlán, who previously managed Peñarol in 2020 and later took charge of Atenas de San Carlos in Uruguay’s second division.
