Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa said he was embarrassed after his side’s 5-1 defeat by the US in a friendly earlier this week, but he tried to restore calm on Thursday after the result rattled nerves ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Bielsa said he had spoken extensively with Uruguayan sporting director Jorge Giordano and federation president Ignacio Alonso about the defeat, which came against a weakened American team in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday.
“My inclination to hold a press conference after losing 5-1 to the United States came from the need to provide explanations, especially after such a defeat, which always raises concerns,” the Argentine told reporters.
«Losing 5-1 is certainly not something that can be ignored. There is a term for it that is meant privately, but you feel ashamed when these kinds of results occur.»
The former Leeds United manager added that he retained the federation’s support as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
“From the conversation, I spent many hours talking to the president and the conclusion with Jorge is that the project will continue exactly as planned until the World Cup,” he said.
«That is the summary and final conclusion of the conversation with the president. That is why I am passing on that information; that is how the conversation ended.»
Two-time FIFA World Cup winners Uruguay qualified for the 2026 edition in September after finishing fourth in South American qualifying.
The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Published on November 21, 2025
