Diego Forlán has been appointed head coach of the Uruguay national team, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa following the country's group stage elimination at the World Cup.
The Uruguayan football federation announced the appointment on August 6, 2026. Bielsa, an Argentine manager, departed after a three-year tenure following Uruguay's early exit from the tournament.
The 47-year-old Forlán will take charge of both the men's senior team and the under-20 national team. He will lead the under-20 side into their continental tournament scheduled for January 2027.
During his playing career, the former striker featured for clubs including Independiente, Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter.
International record and honours
Forlán scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay, placing him third on the national team's all-time scoring list behind Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.
He was named the best player of the 2010 World Cup after leading Uruguay to the semi-finals. He also won the 2011 Copa América, which stands as Uruguay's most recent major international title.
Coaching experience
Forlán enters the national team role with a coaching background that is significantly less extensive than his playing career. His managerial experience consists of two short spells in domestic football.
In 2020, Forlán managed Uruguayan top-flight club Peñarol for 11 matches. The following year, he spent 12 matches in charge of a second-division team.
