Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay: Third Time Lucky at the World Cup?

Marcelo Bielsa heads to another World Cup seeking a breakthrough with Uruguay, after a disappointing 2002 campaign with Argentina and a positive but trophyless spell with Chile.

Appointed in 2023, the 70-year-old coach has driven a generational overhaul at the twice world champions. He imposed his trademark high-pressing, high-intensity attacking style.

Bielsa was tasked with moving Uruguay on from the generation of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. With players like Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez, and Ronald Araujo, Uruguay recaptured their competitiveness.

The side finished South American qualifying in fourth place, defeating powerhouses Brazil and Argentina but drawing with last-placed Chile. Recent friendlies included a draw with England and a 5-1 defeat by the United States.

Off the pitch, tensions have been stoked. Public criticism from Suarez and internal disagreements have raised questions about Bielsa's methods. He famously said, "I'm toxic. Being around me makes people worse."

Uruguay open their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15 in Miami before facing Cape Verde and Spain.