Diego Forlán, 47, was appointed interim head coach of the Uruguay national team and permanent coach of the U20 squad. AUF posted a video on Thursday featuring highlights of Forlán’s national team career and the phrase “Do you know how fast I’d go?” confirming the agreement.\n\nHe succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, who stepped down after Uruguay’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The team drew with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, then lost to Spain, exiting in the group stage.

Bielsa’s contract expired following the tournament.\n\nForlán will guide the senior side until at least March 2027, when the AUF holds its presidential elections. During this period he will oversee six FIFA international friendlies while a permanent head coach is selected. He also takes charge of the U20 team ahead of the 2027 South American Championship, where his squad aims to qualify for the U20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.\n\nThe 47‑year‑old scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay and won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup, helping La Celeste reach the semifinals.

His club career spanned Peñarol, Independiente, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Atlético Madrid. He has managed Peñarol in 2020 and Atenas de San Carlos in 2021, marking his third professional coaching stint.