The World Cup is in full swing as the final group-stage fixtures play out across North America, and while some nations are flying high, one team are said to have revolted against their manager11:35, 26 Jun 2026Updated 11:43, 26 Jun 2026Uruguay have reportedly revolted against Marcelo Bielsa just hours before a pivotal clash with Spain, after being run into the ground at the 2026 World Cup. Qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament could potentially hinge on Saturday morning's fixture, with the South American nation sat second in the Group H standings with two points from as many matches.Uruguay's opener got off to a sluggish star, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia, while their second encounter with a low-ranked Cape Verde ended 2-2. And now, it is claimed that a select crop of players have started to turn on Bielsa after injuries were picked up in training as a result of over-preparing.GiveMeSport claim that Federico Valverde, Rochet, Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur - among others - summoned their head coach for a meeting ahead of their upcoming match against the European champions, unhappy with intense training sessions orchestrated by the Argentine.It is also reported that Uruguay urged the former Leeds United manager to make tactical changes ahead of their next match, following a disappointing series of results. However, Bielsa reportedly responded with a team meeting of his own, shunning the idea of playing in a low block against Spain and insisting that they would continue with their current tactics.El Espectador, meanwhile, report that he also accused his players of trying to get rid of him for his decision to snub Luis Suarez and Nahitan Nandez in terms of call-ups. The 70-year-old also allegedly noted that he had orchestrated some of the national team's careers, including Maxi Araujo and Sebastian Caceres.Speaking publicly about his plans for Uruguay's clash with Spain, Bielsa explained during a press conference: "We are approaching tomorrow's match as a final. One of the best ways to defend is to make sure the opponent has the ball for less time."He added on Luis de la Fuente: "It seems to me that, with the type of soccer that he achieved with Spain, which is unique, and his entire work there, which is significant, it definitely doesn't reflect my own style. It’s a type of soccer a lot more beautiful than what I achieved with my team. The truth is that what he has accomplished with Spain is admirable."Content cannot be displayed without consentGet the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!It's not the first time that Bielsa has made headlines at this summer's tournament across North America. Earlier this month, the seasoned head coach refused to engage with a World Cup photoshoot with the media, captured looking at the floor with his head down while photographers tried to take his portrait.Offering an explanation for the bizarre showing, Bielsa said: "I don't have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken. I'm not a model."He added: "There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I'm wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses?"You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody's eyes or looking down."There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Article continues belowFollow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.
World Cup players 'revolt' against ex-Prem manager hours before vital game
The World Cup is in full swing as the final group-stage fixtures play out across North America, and while some nations are flying high, one team are said to have revolted against their manager












