Uruguay's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated following a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The squad, led by Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, was originally scheduled to return home on a private jet. However, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) instructed the players to make the journey on commercial flights, as reported by Uruguayan outlet Tenfield.
Group Stage Struggles
Uruguay were placed in what appeared to be a straightforward group, alongside reigning European champions Spain, tournament newcomers Cape Verde, and perennial underachievers Saudi Arabia. Despite being two-time World Cup winners and the highest-ranked FIFA nation (19th) to be eliminated, Uruguay managed only draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, finishing with just two points. Even the expanded 48-team format could not save them, as they failed to qualify as a third-place finisher.
Bielsa Resigns After Heated Outburst
Coach Marcelo Bielsa, 70, confirmed his resignation in a passionate post-match outburst. "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," Bielsa said, via translation. "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." He added, "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 Incidents During Spain Match
Two controversial incidents involving Bielsa occurred during the match against Spain. First, long-serving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, a regular since the 2010 World Cup, was withdrawn at half-time after a first-half mistake. Bielsa explained, "No, I didn't take [the decision]. It's a decision Muslera took himself." Reserve keeper Sergio Rochet replaced him for the second half. Later, Bielsa substituted Valverde in the 57th minute for striker Federico Vinas. The Real Madrid star was visibly furious and refused to shake his manager's hand as he left the pitch. Bielsa justified the substitution, saying, "I substituted him for Federico Viñas because I wanted to have a more attacking strategy."
