Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Forlan Urges Calm as Uruguay Rebuilds After World Cup Setbacks
Diego Forlan is the new coach of Uruguay’s national football team.
Uruguay has been knocked out in the group stage at the last two World Cups.
Forlan said those results do not mean the players are bad.
He wants them to feel confident, work hard and play together.
Uruguay lost its first game under him, against Japan.
It then beat South Korea 4-1 after having more time to prepare.
Forlan said winning and losing are both part of football.
He is now focused on improving the whole team as Uruguay prepares for the future.
Uruguay coach Diego Forlan said two consecutive World Cup group-stage exits do not mean the team’s players lack quality.
Forlan said his priorities include rebuilding confidence, demanding hard work and helping players adapt to different situations.
Uruguay lost 1-3 to Japan in Forlan’s first game in charge, then beat South Korea 4-1.
Forlan said the team had little time together before the Japan match but more time to prepare for South Korea.
He said Uruguay must improve across the whole team and make its players work together ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
- Who
- Uruguay head coach Diego Forlan
- What
- Forlan called for calm and outlined his approach to rebuilding Uruguay after two consecutive World Cup group-stage exits.
- When
- At a press conference in Kolkata on October 5; Uruguay's next match was scheduled for Tuesday.
- Where
- Kolkata, with the upcoming match set for Salt Lake Stadium.
- Why
- Uruguay is rebuilding after failing to progress from the group stage at the last two World Cups.
- Uruguay’s first two results under Forlan
- A 1-3 loss to Japan followed by a 4-1 win over South Korea.
- Upcoming opponent
- India.
- Upcoming match venue
- Salt Lake Stadium.
- Forlan’s Uruguay playing record
- 112 caps and 36 goals.
- World Cup recognition
- Forlan won the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball.
- Other coaching role
- Forlan is also in charge of Uruguay’s under-20 side, which is due to play World Cup qualifiers next year.