Uruguay confirm Bielsa to coach through ’26 WC

Marcelo Bielsa has agreed to become coach of Uruguay‘s national team, an executive of the country’s soccer association said on Thursday.

Jorge Casales, a member of the executive committee of the Uruguayan soccer association, told The Associated Press that the former Leeds United manager will sign a contract through the 2026 World Cup.

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“The only thing missing is the signature,” Casales said of the 39-month deal, with the 67-year-old Bielsa expected in Montevideo within days.

Bielsa’s first matches on the job are likely to be in June, when Uruguay are scheduled to play friendlies against Nicaragua and Cuba. South American World Cup qualifying will begin in September.

“We are bringing in someone who we know will leave us a legacy that goes beyond the 90 minutes of a match,” Casales said.

Uruguay was knocked out in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar.

Bielsa coached Argentina from 1998 to 2004. He saw his team eliminated at the group stage of the 2002 World Cup and then won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He left the job for personal reasons.

Bielsa also coached Chile between 2007 and 2011.

The Argentinian also had spells at Espanyol, Athletic Club, Marseille and Lille. He has been out of a job since February 2022 when he was fired by Leeds.

Casales said the negotiations with Bielsa took three months.