Diego Forlan named Uruguay Under-20 manager and takes temporary senior role

The Uruguayan Football Association has appointed Diego Forlan as manager of the Uruguay Under-20 side, while also placing him in temporary charge of the senior national team.

Forlan’s appointment follows the dismissal of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa after Uruguay’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage after collecting two points from draws against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia, before losing to Spain.

The association had been expected to turn to Forlan after reports in recent weeks indicated he was close to taking up the role. His appointment has now been confirmed officially.

Forlan will begin by leading the Under-20 team, who won the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. The side are preparing for the South American Youth Championship at the start of next year, with qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan the main objective.

He will also oversee the senior team during a transitional period while the association searches for a permanent manager. His first match in temporary charge is scheduled for 24 September, when Uruguay will face Japan.

The appointment represents Forlan’s second coaching experience at international level. He began his managerial career with Penarol in 2020 before taking charge of Atenas in the Uruguayan second tier in 2021.

Forlan has not managed a club since leaving Atenas in 2021 and has limited experience as a coach. However, he is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Uruguayan football after a distinguished playing career with Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.

He retired from professional football in 2019, having also represented those clubs during a career that established him as one of Uruguay’s leading players.

Forlan won 112 international caps and scored 36 goals for Uruguay. He was named the outstanding player at the 2010 World Cup after helping his country reach the semi-finals.

His immediate challenge will be to stabilise the senior side following their early World Cup exit while preparing Uruguay’s next generation for its continental campaign. At Under-20 level, he will take charge of a team that enters the new cycle as world champions from the 2023 tournament, with a place at the 2027 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan at stake.