Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted he felt “ashamed” after watching his side suffer a 5-1 defeat to the United States in a friendly earlier this week, but urged calm on Thursday as concerns mounted ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The heavy loss—delivered by a weakened U.S. lineup in Tampa, Florida—prompted extended discussions between Bielsa, Uruguay’s sporting director Jorge Giordano, and federation president Ignacio Alonso.

Speaking to reporters, Bielsa said:

“My inclination to hold a press conference after losing 5-1 to the United States stemmed from the need to explain, especially after a defeat like that, which always generates concern.

Losing 5-1 is certainly not something that can be ignored. There’s a term for it that’s meant to be private, but one feels ashamed when results like this occur.”

Despite the humbling scoreline, the former Leeds United coach confirmed he still has the federation’s full support as Uruguay prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

Federation backing remains firm

Bielsa said his lengthy conversations with the federation leadership ended with a clear message:

“From the conversation—I spoke for many hours with the president and with Jorge—the conclusion is that the project will continue exactly as planned until the World Cup.

That’s the summary and final conclusion of the conversation. I’m passing on that information; that’s how it ended.”

Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, already secured their place at the 2026 tournament after finishing fourth in South American qualifying back in September.

The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.