World press slams Uruguay's World Cup exit, focusing on Muslera's error and Bielsa's leadership

Uruguay's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has been branded a major disappointment, culminating in their elimination after a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

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Uruguay for the World Cup fiasco.

International media outlets have been swift to criticize the team's performance. Argentinian sports newspaper Ole labeled the exit a "World Cup fiasco" for Uruguay. La Nacion, another Argentinian publication, described the early departure as an "impossible to digest, very heavy blow," especially following their group stage exit in the 2022 World Cup.

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An impossible to digest, very heavy blow. The biggest responsible for the elimination is Marcelo Bielsa, the main actor in a major crisis within the team.

Much of the focus has been on goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, whose costly mistake on a seemingly harmless shot from Alex Baena is cited as breaking the team's resilience. "He conceded a goal that doesn't fit an elite level," Ole stated. Muslera was substituted at halftime, with reports indicating he made a "big mistake" on the goal.

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Fernando Muslera made a big mistake in Alex Baena's goal and was replaced by Sergio Rochet at halftime.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa is also a central figure in the criticism. La Nacion pointed to Bielsa's decision to substitute captain Federico Valverde as another questionable move. The article suggests Bielsa, often referred to as 'El Loco,' is facing another significant failure, reminiscent of Argentina's 2002 World Cup group stage exit. Reports indicate a "major crisis" within the team, with players reportedly turning against him, leading to speculation about his imminent departure.

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He conceded a goal that doesn't fit an elite level.