Diego Forlan has been appointed interim head coach of Uruguay following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure after the national team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
The former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker will lead Uruguay through their international friendlies this autumn while the country’s football authorities continue the search for a permanent manager. A long-term appointment is expected either late in 2026 or early next year.
Forlan will also take responsibility for Uruguay’s Under-20 side, giving him a role across both the senior and youth national teams.
Bielsa had been in charge since May 2023 but left his position after Uruguay failed to progress beyond the group stage of the World Cup. The Argentine coach recorded 15 victories from 39 matches during his tenure, which ended after the team’s early elimination from the tournament.
Forlan now moves into the national-team setup having previously enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Uruguay.
The 47-year-old scored 36 goals in 112 international appearances and produced some of his finest performances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Uruguay reached the semi-finals of that tournament, while Forlan was awarded the Golden Ball as its outstanding player.
He retired from international football in March 2015 before bringing his club career to an end in 2018. Across a career spanning 10 clubs, Forlan was particularly successful in Spain with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, while he also represented Manchester United earlier in his career.
His experience as a coach remains relatively limited. Forlan has previously had short spells in charge of Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.
His latest appointment represents his first opportunity to manage Uruguay at senior international level, although initially only on a temporary basis. His performances during the autumn fixtures could nevertheless provide an important early test as Uruguay begin rebuilding after their World Cup disappointment.