Uruguay camp 'plunged into chaos' hours before crucial World Cup game vs Spain

A group of Uruguay players have reportedly rebelled against head coach Marcelo Bielsa ahead of their crucial Group H World Cup clash against Spain.

The South Americans, who previously won the tournament in 1930 and 1950, have struggled at the 2026 World Cup, managing only draws in both of their matches, leaving them on two points ahead of the clash with the European champions.

Bielsa's side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia before drawing 2-2 with minnows Cape Verde in their second match.

A defeat against Spain would see Uruguay exit the competition, while a draw would keep their hopes of progression alive, although this would depend on Cape Verde's result against Saudi Arabia. Uruguay would need Cape Verde to draw or lose.

A win would see Uruguay progress regardless of the other result.

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Despite Uruguay's hopes of staying in the World Cup hanging in the balance, reports emerged just hours before kick-off claiming that a group of players had rebelled against Bielsa's methods.

According to radio station Espectador Deportes, Federico Valverde is among a group of players asking the 70-year-old to change his approach.

Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte and Tottenham Hotspur's Rodrigo Bentancur are also reportedly among the players who summoned Bielsa to a meeting before the match.

The players are said to be unhappy with the intensity of training and have also asked Bielsa to set the team up in a low block against Spain.

Bielsa reportedly called a meeting with the squad that lasted 48 minutes, with the veteran manager explaining the reasoning behind his tactics and intense training sessions.

He also reportedly claimed the group had tried to get him sacked after he left Uruguay icon Luis Suárez out of the squad for the tournament.

South American outlet Globo reported: "The Argentine coach reportedly said he had played a key role in the careers of some national team players, such as Sebastian Cáceres and Maxi Araújo. Some players reacted and left the meeting immediately. Defender José María Giménez reportedly tried to defuse the situation, but was unsuccessful."

Suarez made feelings clear on Bielsa before World Cup

Suárez openly criticised Bielsa's treatment of his players back in 2024, with the forward suggesting the situation at that year's Copa América "hurt" him.

"Many players held a meeting to ask the coach to at least say good morning to us, but he didn't even say hello," he said.

"Bielsa gives press conferences and talks wonderfully about people.

"But there was a day when he asked us not to stop to greet people, and I stood up and told him that we were going to greet people anyway."

He added: "Bielsa has separated the whole group, even in the way they train."

Bielsa first took charge of Uruguay in 2023 after leaving Leeds United a year earlier.

He also managed Argentina between 1998 and 2004, as well as Chile between 2007 and 2011.

Bielsa did not directly address the 'revolt' ahead of the Spain clash, although he made it clear that he would not be advising his players to sit in a low block, which would allow the 2010 World Cup winners the lion's share of possession.

"We are approaching tomorrow's match as a final," Bielsa said. "One of the best ways to defend is to make sure the opponent has the ball for less time."

He also praised Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, having previously worked with him at Athletic Club 15 years ago.

Bielsa added: "It seems to me that, with the type of soccer that he has achieved with Spain, which is unique, and his entire body of work there, which is significant, it definitely doesn't reflect my own style. It's a type of soccer that is much more beautiful than what I achieved with my team. The truth is that what he has accomplished with Spain is admirable."