Uruguay goalkeeper asks to be subbed off after World Cup 2026 mistake
Mexico - According to coach Marcelo Bielsa, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera did not want to continue playing after making a mistake that led to a goal against Spain in the final match of Group H at the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeeper Muslera makes a mistake leading to Uruguay's conceded goal in the final match of Group H at the 2026 World Cup at Guadalajara stadium, Mexico on June 26. Photo: Reuters
With Uruguay needing at least one point to keep their hopes of advancing alive, goalkeeper Muslera made a fatal mistake by failing to hold onto the ball from Alex Baena's shot late in the first half. This error led to a 0-1 defeat for the South American side, causing their elimination from the group stage with only two points from three matches.
After watching the ball roll into the net, Muslera screamed and showed his frustration. Before entering the second half, the 40-year-old goalkeeper made way for his teammate Sergio Rochet.
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When the match in Guadalajara, Mexico ended, coach Bielsa asserted that he had no intention of changing goalkeepers. He revealed: "I did not decide to replace Muslera. He was the one who asked to leave the pitch."
The match against Spain concluded a disastrous campaign for Muslera. Wearing the "legacy" patch on his sleeve for players participating in 5 or more World Cups, the 40-year-old goalkeeper set a record by making three errors directly leading to goals in a single tournament.
In the second match, Muslera rushed out unreasonably, allowing Helio Varela to equalize 2-2 for Cape Verde by putting the ball into an empty net. In the opening 1-1 draw, the Uruguayan goalkeeper failed to catch the ball cleanly, allowing Abdullah Al-Mari to open the scoring for Saudi Arabia.
Even for Cape Verde's first goal, Muslera was judged to have lost concentration, only to be beaten by a long-range free kick. Counting previous World Cups, Muslera is the only goalkeeper to have made more than 5 errors directly leading to goals.
The former Lazio and Galatasaray player had retired from the national team in 2024, after no longer being the first choice since the 2022 World Cup. However, coach Bielsa convinced his player to return in March this year.
"Calling up Muslera was a carefully considered decision," the Argentine coach explained. "I believe he has just had a very good season and is a person of great character. Therefore, we decided to continue putting our trust in Muslera."
Coach Bielsa during Uruguay's defeat to Spain in the final match of Group H at the 2026 World Cup at Guadalajara stadium, Mexico on June 26. Photo: Reuters
Coach Bielsa also caused controversy when he decided to withdraw captain Federico Valverde in the 57th minute of the match against Spain, while not using all five substitutions. Valverde, who is rumored to be part of the group "rebelling against the coach", did not hide his anger.
"I withdrew Valverde to bring on another striker and increase firepower," the Uruguay coach explained. "As for not making more substitutions after the 70th minute, even if we had, the game and the result would not have changed."
Bielsa's future is being questioned amid numerous rumors of internal discord within the national team. Many sources report that Valverde and his teammates complained to the head coach about the training workload. During the meeting ahead of the match against Spain, several players walked out midway.
"Uruguay possesses many high-potential players, but I was unable to motivate them further," the 70-year-old tactician confessed. "I have no excuses. I accept all the disappointment from journalists and fans."
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