Uruguay are set to turn to one of their most celebrated football icons to guide the national team after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is reportedly close to finalising an agreement to take charge of the Celeste following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

A new chapter is beginning for the Celeste as Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa steps down after failing to meet expectations. His exit has prompted the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) to search for a leader capable of restoring national pride. AUF president Ignacio Alonso has outlined a clear plan centred around one of Uruguay’s most decorated footballing legends.

Forlan, who famously inspired Uruguay to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals and led them to Copa America glory in 2011, has emerged as the top candidate to stabilise the team. A meeting between Forlan and the AUF Executive Council has been scheduled to finalise a dual-role arrangement. Under this proposal, Forlan would manage the Under-20 side during the upcoming World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, while also serving as interim head coach of the senior national team until March 2027.

Alonso has expressed his enthusiasm about Forlan’s potential return to the national team setup. Speaking on Teledoce’s programme Polideportivo, the AUF president highlighted Forlan’s global experience as a key asset for Uruguay’s development during this transitional phase.

“We have the opportunity to bring him in, in this case, to the Under-20 National Team. Having Diego within the complex, with all the experience he possesses—having played for some of the best clubs in the world, being exposed to various methodologies, having his own style, and being a former national team player with first-division coaching experience—I think it’s a great opportunity. He’s very enthusiastic,” Alonso explained.

While the initial contract focuses on overseeing the Under-20 cycle and acting as interim coach for the senior team, the AUF is open to making Forlan’s appointment permanent depending on his performance. The arrangement is viewed as a trial phase to determine whether the former Manchester United favourite is ready to take on the full-time role. Alonso made it clear that this dual responsibility would serve as a testing period for the legendary striker’s long-term prospects.

Although other names, such as Marcelo Broli—who guided Uruguay’s Under-20 team to World Cup success in 2023—remain in contention, Forlan currently leads the race. “We’re hiring a U-20 coach who will also manage the senior team’s matches. Then, the results and evaluations will determine the next steps,” Alonso added.

Many in Montevideo have drawn comparisons between Forlan’s potential appointment and Lionel Scaloni’s journey with Argentina. Like Forlan, Scaloni was initially brought in as an interim manager after Argentina’s disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign. He began by managing youth sides in tournaments such as L’Alcudia before gaining the trust of both players and the federation, eventually leading Argentina to a World Cup and two Copa America titles. Forlan will be hoping to follow a similar path, building on his previous managerial experience with Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.