Uruguayan DNA to the fore as Forlan upsets Argentina

“He has a clear philosophy, and it is in keeping with Uruguay’s footballing heritage,” said Facundo Pellistri before the Celeste went toe-to-toe with Argentina. He was talking about Diego Forlan, who took charge in August 2026, just weeks after Uruguay suffered a major FIFA World Cup setback, crashing out in the group stage without winning a single match. 

Despite having already cut his teeth in management with spells in charge of Penarol and Atenas de San Carlos, there was still considerable uncertainty surrounding his footballing vision. There was an expectation that Forlán would carry forward some of the principles that had defined Tabarez’s tenure. He had been instrumental during an era in which togetherness, a sense of belonging and unwavering commitment were paramount.

Several weeks later, four matches into his tenure, Forlan had begun to instil something more than values in his side, having followed a 3-1 defeat to Japan with victories over Korea Republic (4-1), India (6-1) and Argentina (2-1). The Celeste are starting to forge an identity that reflects Uruguay’s footballing DNA.

This was clear for all to see in the victory over Argentina at La Bombonera, which marked the World Cup runners-up’s first step into the post-Messi era. 

Although Argentina enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and at times had Uruguay on the ropes, the Celeste are built around a 4-2-3-1 system that prioritises defensive solidity, tactical discipline and compact lines, while putting players in positions where they are most dangerous. Against Argentina, Forlan confirmed that he sees Lucas Torreira as instrumental to his side, while continuing to put faith in Darwin Nunez as his first-choice striker.

“Going head-to-head with top-quality opposition helps us improve. Getting the three points under our belt was important, but the bigger picture was being able to test ourselves and see how we measured up,” Forlan said after the match.

After a largely uneventful first 45 minutes, Uruguay drew first blood when Leonardo Balerdi turned the ball into his own net from a set piece. A few minutes later, Uruguay doubled their lead from another set piece, with Maxi Araujo rising to head home before Julian Alvarez pulled one back with 15 minutes to go. 

Although Scaloni’s side created much more going forward after falling behind, Uruguay were never really under the cosh and were not forced to sit too deep. 

“We’re still finding our feet, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. Today we came up against a side whose coaching staff have been working together for years, have delivered excellent results and play some really good football. Argentina have always been renowned for playing good stuff. These games are never straightforward, and they make you adapt constantly. There were spells when our individual brilliance shone through and allowed us to get the better of them. It was an enjoyable contest in the end, and thankfully we got the job done and came away with the victory,” Forlan added.

Forlan took the reins from Marcelo Bielsa, whose impact on the team had been immediate. Uruguay had also got the better of Argentina on their previous trip to Buenos Aires, in a World Cup qualifier that offered a glimpse into the enormous potential of the side headed up by El Loco. However, Bielsa’s influence gradually began to wane.

At the FIFA World Cup 2026™, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia and a 2-2 draw by Cabo Verde before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Spain, which saw them crash out in the group stage. It was a carbon copy of Qatar 2022™, when Diego Alonso’s side also failed to make it out of the group stage.

As things stand, the 47-year-old remains in charge of the U-20s and is set to continue in both roles until at least March 2027, when elections are due to be held at the Association. In his first few matches, he has made it clear that his vision for rebuilding the side is rooted in restoring the country’s footballing heritage rather than coming up with new philosophies.

“Winning always matters, and believe me, I’m going to give it my all to remain in charge. Being at the helm of the national team is a special feeling. It’s an honour and a privilege. As we move forward, the aim is to gradually develop our possession game and become more comfortable on the ball,” he said.