Bielsa hauls off Muslera at half-time after third World Cup howler hands Spain opener

Fernando Muslera was substituted at half-time by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa during their crucial World Cup 2026 Group J clash against Spain, after the veteran goalkeeper fumbled Alex Baena’s shot into his own net to hand the Europeans the opening goal.

The Estudiantes shot-stopper’s latest mistake etched his name into the record books for the wrong reasons: it was the first time a goalkeeper had contributed three errors leading directly to goals in a single World Cup campaign since records began in 1966. Muslera could be seen furiously shouting in frustration as Baena’s shot dribbled past him and into the corner.

Bielsa wasted no time at the interval, withdrawing Muslera and sending on Sergio Rochet in his place. The decision underlined just how untenable the 38-year-old’s position had become after a nightmare tournament for La Celeste.

Uruguay entered the match in a precarious position, having drawn their opening two Group J fixtures against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia. A win against Spain was the minimum required to keep their qualification hopes alive, making Muslera’s error all the more damaging at such a critical juncture.

The substitution brings a painful end to Muslera’s involvement in what has been a dreadful World Cup campaign, and raises serious questions about whether Rochet will now be trusted between the posts should Uruguay find a way to progress.