Bilić Returns to Croatia National Team, Forlán to Lead Uruguay on Interim Basis
After Zlatko Dalić stepped down, Croatia has appointed Slaven Bilić as head coach. Uruguay, eliminated in the group stage, is set to name Diego Forlán as interim coach until March.
Slaven Bilić is returning to lead the Croatia national team, replacing Zlatko Dalić, who resigned after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Dalić was the most successful coach in Croatian history, reaching the 2018 final and the 2022 semifinal. Croatia started the tournament with a 2-4 loss to England, then beat Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1 before a dramatic 1-2 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32.
Bilić previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, reaching the European Championship quarterfinals and failing to advance from the group once, while missing the 2010 World Cup – the only qualification failure in the nation's history. He has managed English clubs West Ham, West Brom, and Watford, and most recently left Saudi Arabian side Al Fateh in August 2024.
Uruguay failed to advance from their group, drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with Cape Verde, and losing 0-1 to Spain. Coach Marcelo Bielsa subsequently left his position. While not yet officially confirmed, legendary striker Diego Forlán is expected to be appointed interim head coach until March. He will also coach Uruguay's U20 team in January during continental qualifiers, with a permanent appointment to follow after federation presidential elections.
Forán played for clubs such as Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan, scoring 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay. He reached the World Cup semifinal in 2010 and won the Copa América in 2011. His coaching career began in 2020 at his former club Peñarol, with brief stints at Atenas and even a foray into tennis.
