Muslera accepts blame after asking to be substituted in Uruguay exit

Fernando Muslera asked to be substituted at half-time after an error that led to Alex Baena's goal in Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain, a result that ended their 2026 World Cup campaign. Marcelo Bielsa said the decision to replace the goalkeeper was made by Muslera himself: "I didn’t make it [the decision of substituting the GK], that’s a decision Muslera himself made." Muslera accepted responsibility for his performance and apologised to team-mates and supporters.

"I've never been one to hide, but to face the music," he said, adding in the locker room, "Today it's my turn... I haven't had a good World Cup. I apologized to them and to all Uruguayans, although it's too late now." The 40-year-old reflected on the emotional toll of the mistake and the swings of the goalkeeper's role.

"Now it's time to be with my closest friends and family, gather my strength, and move forward, because that's what this sport is all about, and this position (goalkeeper) is too," he said, noting that the position can bring both joy and heartbreak.

Uruguay

fernando muslera, marcelo bielsa, uruguay, spain, alex baena, world cup, 2026, goalkeeper, substitution, half-time