Goalkeeper Muslera made an error in Uruguay's conceded goal during the final group H match of the 2026 World Cup at Guadalajara, Mexico on 26/6. *Reuters*

Uruguay needed at least one point to keep their hopes alive when goalkeeper Muslera made a critical error, failing to hold onto a shot from Alex Baena late in the first half. This mistake resulted in the South American team's 0-1 loss, leading to their elimination from the group stage with only two points after three matches.

After watching the ball roll into the net, Muslera shouted in frustration. Before the second half, the 40-year-old goalkeeper was replaced by his younger teammate, Sergio Rochet.

Following the match in Guadalajara, Mexico, coach Bielsa stated he had no intention of changing goalkeepers. He revealed, "I did not decide to substitute Muslera. He asked to be taken off."

The match against Spain concluded a disastrous campaign for Muslera. Wearing a "legacy" patch on his sleeve for participating in five or more World Cups, the 40-year-old goalkeeper set a record for making three direct errors leading to goals conceded in a single tournament.

In the second match, Muslera rushed out improperly, allowing Helio Varela to equalize 2-2 for Cape Verde by scoring into an empty net. In the opening match, a 1-1 draw, Uruguay's goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball, enabling Abdullah Al-Mari to open the scoring for Arab Saudi.

Furthermore, for Cape Verde's first goal, Muslera was also deemed unfocused, ultimately being beaten by a long-range free-kick. Including previous World Cups, Muslera is the only goalkeeper to have made more than five direct errors leading to goals conceded.

The former Lazio and Galatasaray player had announced his retirement from the national team in 2024, after no longer being the first-choice goalkeeper since the 2022 World Cup. However, coach Bielsa persuaded him to return in March this year.

"Recalling Muslera was a carefully considered decision," the Argentine coach explained. "I believe he had a good season and possesses great character. Therefore, we decided to continue placing our trust in Muslera."

Coach Bielsa during Uruguay's loss to Spain in the final group H match of the 2026 World Cup at Guadalajara, Mexico on 26/6. *Reuters*

Coach Bielsa also sparked controversy by deciding to substitute captain Federico Valverde in the 57th minute of the match against Spain, while not using all five allowed substitutions. Valverde, reportedly among a group "rebelling against the coach", did not hide his anger.

"I substituted Valverde to bring on another forward and increase our attacking power," the Uruguay coach explained. "Regarding not making further substitutions after the 70th minute, even if I had, the game's dynamic and result would not have changed."

Bielsa's future is in question amid rumors of internal team disagreements. Several sources reported that Valverde and his teammates had complained to the head coach about the training workload. During a team meeting before the Spain match, many players walked out midway.

"Uruguay possesses many promising players, but I failed to motivate them further," the 70-year-old strategist confessed. "I have no excuses. I accept all the disappointment from journalists and fans."

Vy Anh