Uruguay were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Friday, prompting the Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) to instruct the squad to return home on commercial flights rather than the initially planned private jet. Manager Marcelo Bielsa, 70, confirmed his resignation in an emotional post-match press conference.
Early exit from a manageable group
Uruguay, two-time World Cup winners, were drawn in a group alongside reigning European champions Spain, tournament debutants Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia. Despite being the highest-ranked FIFA nation (19th) to be eliminated, they managed only draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, finishing with two points. Even the expanded 48-team format failed to save them as they did not qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
The squad, featuring Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, had been scheduled to return on a private jet. However, the AUF ordered commercial flights, according to Uruguayan outlet Tenfield.
Bielsa's resignation and emotional outburst
Bielsa, who took charge in 2023, said in his post-match remarks: "I've left Uruguayan football nothing because any type of support a country's soccer manager can give in a country where he has worked three years doesn't take if you don't get results." He added: "The fourth place in the World Cup qualifiers wasn't worth anything, third place in the Copa América wasn't worth anything, and obviously, I don't need to describe this showing. But if you ask me how my tenure will be remembered, as a tenure I've left nothing."
Bielsa continued: "The journalists, the Uruguayan supporters, you all want to blame me for what happened, and I must take that blame. It is the only right thing to do."
Controversial substitutions
Two incidents during the Spain match drew attention. Long-serving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, a first-choice since the 2010 World Cup, was substituted at halftime after an error. Bielsa said: "No, I didn't take [the decision]. It's a decision Muslera took himself." Reserve keeper Sergio Rochet replaced him.
Later, Bielsa substituted Valverde in the 57th minute for striker Federico Vinas. The Real Madrid star was visibly incensed and refused to shake his manager's hand as he left the pitch. Bielsa explained: "Valverde, I substituted him for Federico Viñas because I wanted to have a more attacking strategy."
