URUGUAY
Marcelo Bielsa could make return to management with Uruguay
Bielsa could take over from Diego Alonso, who left Uruguay after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Marcelo Bielsa could be set for a return to management. According to Argentinian outlet Tyc Sports, the man from Rosario is very close to becoming the new head coach of Uruguay, a team that has been coached on an interim basis by Marcelo Broli during the international break.
Bielsa, 67, is reportedly close to taking over from Diego Alonso, who left the Uruguay national team after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his side failed to make it past the group stage. Portugal and South Korea advanced from Uruguay’s group to the round of 16, with Alonso’s team exiting the tournament after failing to progress to the group stage for the first time since 2002.
Talks between Bielsa and the Uruguayan Football Association have already taken place, as per reports, and it would be the former Leeds United boss’ third national team experience having coached Argentina (1998-2004) and Chile (2007-2011).
2026 World Cup
Bielsa is well-known for his lengthy pre-contractual negotiations and will have conducted hours of research on the Uruguay squad. If the sides can reach an agreement it is likely that he will sign with Uruguay until the end of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with the possibility of extending his contract until the 2026 World Cup should the small South American nation qualify.