Marcelo Bielsa has announced his decision to resign as the manager of Uruguay following their elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. Uruguay, a two-time World Cup champion, finished third in Group H after drawing with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia and losing to Spain. Bielsa expressed his disappointment at the outcome, citing his inability to justify the team’s final position despite the quality of players at his disposal.
The 70-year-old Argentine coach, who took charge in May 2023, led Uruguay to 16 wins, 12 draws, and eight losses during his tenure. Bielsa refuted claims of a strained relationship with the players, praising their dedication and commitment. He emphasized that his performance as a manager should be judged based on his interactions with the team and the resources provided.
Bielsa commended goalkeeper Fernando Muslera for his character after Muslera requested to be substituted at halftime of the match against Spain due to an error. The coach highlighted Muslera’s rare display of self-awareness and generosity in acknowledging his mistake. Additionally, Bielsa defended his decision to substitute midfielder Federico Valverde during a crucial moment in the tournament, emphasizing that such decisions are part of a manager’s role.
