Marcelo Bielsa Appointed As Uruguay Coach, Aims For 2026 World Cup Success

Former Leeds United and Argentina coach, Marcelo Bielsa has been announced as the new coach of Uruguay.

The 67-year-old strategist has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team to the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup.

Following Diego Alonso's lacklustre performance, which saw Uruguay's World Cup dreams shattered in the group stage, the Uruguayan football association made the bold decision to appoint Bielsa.

Having departed from his position at Leeds United in February of the previous year, Bielsa now has the chance to demonstrate his expertise on the international stage.

"The man from Rosario will take the reins of the squad after his tenure at Leeds, a club which he managed between June 2018 and February 2022," declared Uruguay's football association in their official statement.

Bielsa, whose illustrious managerial career includes stints with various renowned clubs such as Athletic Bilbao, Lille, and Marseille, will be formally introduced to the media on Wednesday, signifying the beginning of his tenure with the Uruguayan team.

Notably, he is still held in high regard at Leeds United, where he guided the club back to the English Premier League while captivating fans with an exhilarating and attacking style of play.

However, the Argentine coach faced criticism for his team's defensive vulnerabilities, leading to his dismissal amid the looming threat of relegation.

Nonetheless, his achievements and tactical prowess have not gone unnoticed, and Uruguay's decision to appoint him demonstrates their ambition to establish a formidable presence on the international stage.