Marcelo Bielsa decision confirmed after four-hour meeting with Leeds United legend
The former Leeds United boss has been under recent pressure with the Uruguay national team ahead of next year's World Cup.
Leeds United legend Marcelo Bielsa will lead Uruguay to the 2026 World Cup despite recent speculation over his future with the South American nation, according to reports.
Bielsa has come under recent pressure following a 5-1 defeat to the USA during November’s international break. That was the latest in a string of disappointing results which have come following a disconnect between the head coach and some senior players.
In true Bielsa fashion, a press conference was called without explanation amid rumours a resignation could follow, but the former Leeds boss instead took questions for almost two hours on current issues. He declared his intent to be in charge at the World Cup but a final decision was yet to be made by those above him at that point.
Reports now claim after a lengthy meeting between Bielsa and key figures within the Uruguay FA (AUF), a decision has now been taken with the Argentinian to remain in post. He now looks set to attend his third World Cup in a third different continent next summer across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
In a post on X, Uruguayan journalist Rodrigo Romano wrote: “Ignacio Alonso, President of AUF, confirmed that Marcelo Bielsa will continue in the role and will be in charge of Uruguay in the World Cup. After a four-hour meeting between the executive and the coach, everything remains the same as the parties agree to continue with the ‘Bielsa Uruguay 2026’ process.”
Uruguay chief on Marcelo Bielsa future amid recent uncertainty
The journalist also relayed quotes from Uruguayan FA president Alonso, who said: "The crisis triggered by the match against the United States has made us work hard internally to know that in time we have to do things. Those things will mature in the coming weeks. There is an unbreakable commitment from each of the players and the coaching staff with the national team. Here no one gets off the ship.”
Bielsa will now prepare to head to Washington DC for the World Cup finals draw on December 5, where he will learn who Uruguay face in the tournament’s group stage next summer. The South American nation are in pot two for the draw, meaning they could be drawn against England or Jesse March’s Canada, who as co-hosts are in pot one.
There could even be a group with three former Leeds managers present if Canada and Uruguay are drawn alongside Panama. The Central American nation qualified for only their second ever World Cup earlier this month and are coached by Danish boss Thomas Christiansen.
News of Bielsa’s continued presence with the Uruguay national team might come as a blow to some clubs within the UK, amid reports some were keeping an eye on his situation. Journalist Alan Nixon reported via Patreon earlier this month that some English sides were on alert amid uncertainty surrounding the much-loved former Leeds boss.