Diego Forlan Begins Interim Uruguay Role Against Japan in Sendai

Diego Forlan will lead Uruguay’s senior side for the first time on Thursday, when La Celeste face Japan in an international friendly at Q&A Stadium in Miyagi. The former Uruguay forward has gathered his squad in Sendai for the match as he begins an interim spell alongside his existing work with the country’s under-20 team.

Forlan returns to Japan in a new role

The 47-year-old has strong personal links with Japanese football after spending two seasons with Cerezo Osaka during his playing career. He last travelled to the country in 2018, for an Asian Champions League fixture, and spoke warmly about Japan’s development as a football nation and its wider sporting culture.

Forlan said the prospect of meeting Japan in a full stadium was an appealing test, particularly against a side containing a number of players established at European clubs. He described his time at Cerezo as a memorable experience and said Japan now possess players of international quality.

• Thursday’s game will be Forlan’s first match in charge of Uruguay’s senior national team.
• He remains Uruguay under-20 head coach under a separate fixed agreement.
• His youth-team contract runs through the forthcoming South American Championship.
• Japan provide what Forlan considers high-level opposition for his first senior assignment.

Valverde absence prompts late Uruguay change

Uruguay’s preparations have included a late alteration to the squad. Midfielder Emiliano Martinez has been summoned after Federico Valverde suffered an injury and was ruled out of the trip.

Despite the absence of Valverde and other important players, Forlan has made clear that he expects Uruguay to pursue victory in every match. He believes the group retains the necessary blend of technical ability, scoring options and defensive strength to compete at the required level.

Forlan said winning must be the immediate priority, arguing that Uruguay have a responsibility to return the national side to the standard expected of it. He highlighted the team’s comfort in possession, its attacking depth and the quality of its defenders.

Interim appointment begins after World Cup disappointment

Forlan’s senior involvement is temporary rather than a replacement for his under-20 post, but Thursday’s friendly offers an early opportunity to establish momentum. Uruguay are seeking a response after their disappointing group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

The encounter in Miyagi will therefore serve as both a reunion with Japanese football for Forlan and the opening test of his senior international management. Uruguay will aim to begin the interim period with the aggressive performance their new coach has demanded.