Diego Forlan tipped to become manager of World Cup team
Diego Forlan is reportedly set to be named the new Uruguay manager following their World Cup exit.
The former striker is in line to succeed Marcelo Bielsa in the dugout.
Bielsa resigned from the role immediately after his side were knocked out of this summer’s tournament in a poor performance that saw them fail to get out of a group which also had Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in it.
Uruguay’s fate was sealed by a 1-0 loss to Spain in their final group stage fixture.
It brought to an end Bielsa’s three-year tenure having been appointed in May 2023.
The 70-year-old also took charge of the Under-23 side at the 2024 Olympics in France.
In the running
According to Marca, Forlan is now expected to be appointed national team boss on an interim basis until March.
He will also lead Uruguay’s Under-20 side at the South American Championship in January.
The senior side are set to play matches in September, October and November before further fixtures in March 2027.
South American qualifying for the 2030 World Cup is scheduled to begin later this year.
However, Uruguay have automatically qualified for the finals alongside Paraguay and Argentina.
The trio will play their opening matches of the tournament on home soil to mark the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup in 2030.
A decision on Forlan’s long-term future in the job is expected after the March international break.
As a player, Forlan scored 36 goals in 112 caps for Uruguay between 2002 and 2014.
During that time, he featured at three World Cups as well as winning the 2011 Copa America.
The 47-year-old has moved into coaching since retiring in 2019.
Forlan has had brief spells in charge of club sides Penarol and Atenas in his native Uruguay.
His six months in charge of the latter in 2021 was his most recent managerial position.
The former Manchester United forward has also dipped his feet in professional tennis after entering an ATP event in 2024.
Forlan made his debut at the ATP Uruguay Open on the Challenger Tour.
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