Forlán appointed new coach of Uruguay national team

Former international striker Diego Forlan has been appointed as the new head coach of the Uruguay national team, according to a brief statement released yesterday by the local football federation. Forlan, 47, succeeds Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa, 71, who paid the price for La Celeste’s exit from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup after three years in charge. Forlan will not only oversee the senior national team but also coach the under-20 side in preparation for the Copa América for that age group, scheduled for January 2027. The Uruguayan federation stated in its brief announcement: “Diego Forlan will return to the country to take charge of the under-20 national team and the senior national team.” The former striker will assume his technical responsibilities with the national team in friendly matches in September, October, and March. Forlan has limited experience as a first-team manager; since his brief stint (11 matches) with Peñarol (Uruguayan Primera División) in 2020, he has coached only one club, Atenas, in the second division, over 12 matches the following year.