World Cup 2026: Uruguay Goalkeeper Muslera Refuses to Return After Halftime in 1-0 Defeat to Spain

Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera requested to be substituted at halftime during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in their final Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bielsa disclosed after the match that the decision to replace the 40-year-old goalkeeper was not made by the coaching staff but came at Muslera’s own request following a difficult first-half performance.

“Fernando Muslera asked me to be subbed off at half time,” Bielsa said after the game.

Muslera, who was making his 19th World Cup appearance for Uruguay, endured another disappointing outing after committing an error that led directly to Spain’s winning goal.

The experienced goalkeeper failed to deal with a shot from Spanish midfielder Alex Baena in the 42nd minute, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.

Following the halftime interval, Muslera was replaced by Sergio Rochet, becoming the first Uruguayan goalkeeper in history to be substituted during a World Cup match.

The mistake against Spain capped a difficult tournament for the former Galatasaray goalkeeper, who struggled throughout the group stage.

According to available tournament statistics, Muslera committed an error leading to a goal in each of Uruguay’s three group matches, making him the first goalkeeper since 1966 to record three or more goal-leading errors in a single FIFA World Cup.

Against Spain, La Roja managed only one shot on target throughout the first half, yet it proved decisive after Muslera’s costly mistake.

The goalkeeper finished the match without making a save and completed just seven of his 13 attempted passes, registering a passing accuracy of 54 percent before being withdrawn.

The defeat also raised fresh questions about Muslera’s international future, with many observers suggesting Friday’s appearance may have been his last for Uruguay.

Having served La Celeste for many years and featured in multiple World Cup tournaments, Muslera has been one of Uruguay’s most experienced players.

However, after a campaign overshadowed by repeated mistakes and an emotional halftime exit, his international career now appears uncertain as Uruguay begin preparations for future competitions under Bielsa’s leadership.