Diego Forlan leaves door open for Luis Suarez return to Uruguay

Diego Forlan has welcomed the possibility of Luis Suarez returning to the Uruguay national team after the veteran striker was left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Suarez was omitted from Uruguay’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico by former manager Marcelo Bielsa, who left his position after the team’s group-stage elimination.

Forlan, appointed interim head coach of the senior side after Bielsa’s departure, was asked about a possible recall for Suarez during the news conference held to present him in his new role.

“I have a great deal of appreciation for him and, if he is available to play for us, then why not? No-one can question his abilities,” Forlan said.

He added: “We have many players capable of scoring goals, so I do not see scoring as a problem. It is also not what concerns me at the moment. We have great players in the forward line.”

Uruguay finished bottom of their 2026 World Cup group with two points. They drew with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before losing to Spain, bringing their campaign to an early end.

The Uruguayan Football Association has appointed Forlan to lead the under-20 team as well as take temporary charge of the senior side. He will remain in charge of the first team during the transitional period while the association searches for a permanent manager.

Forlan said he was confident his experience as a player would help him in coaching.

“I trust my ability to pass on the experience I gained throughout my career. I really enjoy the coaching profession,” he said.

He also spoke about his work with the under-20 team, saying: “I enjoy working on the development of these players. With the senior national team, we have matches in March, and it will be an honour to coach them and pass on what I have to offer.”

His first match in charge of Uruguay will be against Japan on 24 September.

Forlan’s immediate responsibility with the younger side will be to prepare the team for the South American Under-20 Championship at the beginning of next year. Uruguay will be aiming to qualify for the 2027 Under-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The appointment followed reports in recent weeks that Forlan was close to taking the role, before the association confirmed the decision officially.

It represents his second coaching opportunity at international level. Forlan began his managerial career with Penarol in 2020 and then took charge of Atenas in Uruguay’s second division in 2021. He has not managed a club since that year.

One of the most celebrated footballers in Uruguay’s history, Forlan played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan before retiring in 2019.

He won 112 caps for Uruguay and scored 36 international goals. Forlan was also named the best player at the 2010 World Cup, where he helped his country reach the semi-finals.