Overview
- The Uruguayan Football Association announced on Thursday that Diego Forlán will take interim charge of both the senior national team and the Under-20 side.
- The interim deal can be extended and the AUF will review Forlán’s performance in March 2027, a timing that coincides with a federation presidential transition.
- Forlán is one of Uruguay’s most celebrated players with 112 caps, 36 goals, the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball and a 2011 Copa América title to his name.
- He has limited coaching experience, with short spells at Peñarol and Atenas, and will immediately begin work with the U20s before overseeing autumn friendlies with the senior team, including a reported Sept. 24 match against Japan.
- The appointment follows Marcelo Bielsa’s exit after a winless World Cup group stage and is presented by the AUF as a rebuild focused on restoring identity, morale and a clearer pathway for young players to the senior squad.