Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay interim coach after World Cup failure

Uruguay have appointed former legendary striker Diego Forlan as interim head coach following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa after a disappointing World Cup campaign. The 47-year-old faces one of the biggest challenges of his coaching career as La Celeste finished third in their group, behind Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, with just two points.

The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed Forlan's initial contract runs until March 2027, after which his performance will be evaluated. He will also continue as head coach of Uruguay's Under-20 national team.

Forlan was the driving force of the generation that brought Uruguay back to the world stage, delivering one of the greatest individual performances in the country's history at the 2010 World Cup. He scored five goals and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, leading Uruguay to the semi-finals.

At club level, he played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Internacional, establishing himself as one of the finest forwards of his generation.