Uruguay’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end on Friday after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s side without a single victory in the tournament and making them the only South American team eliminated before the knockout stage.
The two-time world champions finished bottom of Group H after drawing their opening matches against Saudi Arabia and World Cup debutants Cape Verde before suffering the decisive loss to Spain.
Their early exit is regarded as one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, particularly in the expanded 48-team format where 32 nations progress to the round of 32.
Uruguay arrived at the competition with high expectations, boasting a squad featuring stars such as Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte and Darwin Nunez.
Their strong performances in the World Cup qualifiers and a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa America had positioned them as favourites to reach the knockout rounds.
However, Uruguay struggled throughout the group stage, failing to convert possession into meaningful chances or goals.
The team’s inability to secure a win also extended a poor run of form that dates back to October, when they defeated Uzbekistan in an international friendly.
It is also the second consecutive World Cup in which Uruguay have failed to advance beyond the group stage.
The disappointing campaign has intensified questions over Bielsa’s leadership.
Reports of growing unrest within the squad had surfaced before the final group match, with concerns raised over the demanding nature of the Argentine coach’s training sessions and tactical approach.
According to local media, senior players, including team leaders Valverde, Bentancur, Ugarte and goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, held discussions with Bielsa before the Spain encounter to express worries about the heavy physical workload, believing it had left the squad fatigued during matches.
The meeting was reportedly tense.
Bielsa had previously hinted that his time in charge of Uruguay could end after the World Cup, stating earlier this year that his “job ends with the World Cup.”
Following a tournament marked by poor performances, internal tensions and a winless exit, uncertainty continues to surround Bielsa’s future as Uruguay prepare for a likely period of reflection and rebuilding.
