Uruguay Camp Erupts as Players Challenge Bielsa Before Crucial Spain Match

Uruguay’s World Cup campaign has been plunged into turmoil after two draws, against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, left the team facing a decisive match against Spain on the night between Friday and Saturday. Local reports say the squad is now in open conflict with coach Marcelo Bielsa, in what the media described as a major revolt inside the Celeste camp.

At a morning training session on Thursday, several players led by Sergio Rochet, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde asked to meet Bielsa and told him they “cannot tolerate the way he coaches the team.” They reportedly argued that his training intensity has left players arriving injured for the tournament. The same group also criticized his tactical decisions and preferred formation, with one report saying there are “severe disagreements.”

After hearing the players out, Bielsa gathered the full squad for a 50-minute meeting to defend his position, but the confrontation escalated when several players walked out. Jose Maria Gimenez reportedly tried to stop them, without success. According to Uruguayan media, Bielsa told the players, “You already tried to get me fired when there was all the Luis Suarez affair, and at other times. I am building careers for some of the players here. I admit I brought injured players to the World Cup, but they are loyal to me and that is why I brought them.”

Ronald Araujo was also quoted as saying, “My God, I hope we advance to the next round, but this can no longer be tolerated.” The reported standoff comes at a critical moment for Uruguay, which could still be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.