Diego Forlan has agreed to become Uruguay's head coach on an interim basis, following their dismal World Cup campaign this summer. 

Forlan, who will juggle his duties with his commitment to Uruguay's under-20 team, succeeds Marcelo Bielsa. 

The 47-year-old will be in charge for the national team's upcoming friendlies this autumn, before a permanent manager is appointed at the end of this year or the start of 2027.

Forlan's appointment comes after Uruguay finished third in Group H at the World Cup, taking just two points from a group that also included Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. 

It meant Bielsa has failed to progress from the group stage in two of his three World Cup campaigns, having also failed to reach the knockout stages with Argentina in 2002. 

Uruguay averaged 55% possession at the 2026 World Cup, their highest figure in the competition on record (since 1966) and the first time they have averaged over 50% at a single tournament since 1970, but it was not enough to stop Bielsa from stepping down. 

Forlan arrives with little managerial experience, though, having only held two head coaching roles, with Penarol and Atenas, since the end of his playing career.

He made his coaching debut during the 2020 season with former club Penarol but left the post after just 11 matches due to poor results.

Forlan's only other senior managerial stint came in 2021, when he spent 12 games in charge of Atenas in the Uruguayan second division.

However, he is highly regarded in Uruguay, having starred for his nation during his playing days. He scored 36 goals in 112 caps, the third-best tally for the Celeste. 

During the 2010 World Cup, Forlan scored five goals as Uruguay reached the semi-finals, also winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot for his performances. 

And he will be hoping to replicate some of that magic in the dugout for Uruguay. His first game in charge is a friendly against Japan on September 24.