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Diego Forlán has been appointed as the interim head coach of the Uruguayan national team. He takes over from Marcelo Bielsa, who departed following the disappointing performance at the last World Cup. The news was confirmed by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, who revealed that the former striker is expected to remain at the helm until March 2027.
The decision to appoint Forlán on an interim basis is linked to the upcoming elections within the local federation, scheduled for the end of the year, which prevents the establishment of a long-term project. After March 2027, the federation will decide whether to retain the recent legend or seek a new head coach.
Ignacio Alonso justified the choice, stating that the leadership had already considered the former player for a role.
"The Executive Committee of the Uruguayan Football Association settled on Diego. We met with him back in 2022 to include him in the project. Now, he's enthusiastic," stated the federation president.
The new coach will have a dual role, as he will also lead the U20 team in the South American Championship for that age category in January 2027. Regarding the senior men's team, Forlán will guide them through the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup, which begin this year in South America, with crucial matches scheduled for September, October, and November 2026.
This isn't Diego Forlán's first foray into coaching. In 2020, he began his managerial career in club football, leading Peñarol for 11 matches. In 2021, he was in charge of Atenas de San Carlos in the Uruguayan second division for 12 games. However, this marks his first experience as a national team coach.
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