Uruguay hires Forlán, Real Madrid signs Diomande for €140m

Former Uruguay striker Diego Forlán has been appointed head coach of the national team, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The appointment follows the team's group-stage exit from the recent World Cup and the subsequent departure of manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The 47-year-old Forlán, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player at the 2010 World Cup, will take charge on an interim basis. According to sources within the AUF, his contract leaves open the possibility of a permanent extension. He will oversee the senior and Under-20 national teams, with his first matches set to be friendlies in September, October, and March.

Forlán steps into a role vacated after a disappointing World Cup campaign for the two-time world champions. Uruguay failed to advance from the group stage for a second consecutive tournament, drawing with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before a loss to eventual champion Spain sealed their elimination. The 71-year-old Bielsa faced significant criticism for his tactics and for recalling veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera out of international retirement, a move followed by a series of errors.