Marcelo Bielsa stood up after Uruguay’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine coach assumed full responsibility after the defeat against Spain at the Guadalajara Stadium.
His appearance before the media was slow, reflective. In the silence of the Uruguayan delegation, Bielsa did not look for excuses. He stated clearly: “I am completely responsible for the disappointment, I did not know how to empower the players.”
Muslera’s departure
One of the key moments was the substitution of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, signaled for an action that led to the rival goal. Bielsa explained that the decision was not just tactical: “What happened to Muslera was very much to my regret. He decided to leave the field; I made the necessary validations.”
The strategist defended the goalkeeper: “He is a goalkeeper who was coming off a magnificent year and with a lot of personality and character.”
Bielsa, who received boos from the fans after the result, concluded: “I leave nothing to Uruguay. Without the results no contribution is left to the country.” Uruguay is eliminated in the group stage.




