World Cup 2026: Uruguay goalkeeper, Muslera refuses to return after halftime in 1-0 defeat to Spain

Uruguay head coach, Marcelo Bielsa has disclosed that goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera refused to return to the pitch after the halftime break in their 1-0 defeat to Spain

He said the goalkeeper asked to be substituted at halftime during La Celeste’s 1-0 loss to Spain on Friday.

Muslera, who was playing his 19th match for Uruguay, made a mistake in the first half that resulted in the only goal of the match.

The 40-year-old mishandled a shot from Spain’s Alex Baena in the 42nd minute, allowing it to enter the net after making contact with his hands.

Subsequently, after the first half ended, Fernando Muslera was replaced by Sergio Rochet in goal.

He also became the first Uruguayan goalkeeper in history to be substituted during a match.

Following the game, Marcelo Bielsa clarified that Muslera’s substitution at halftime was not his own decision, as the goalkeeper had requested to be taken off. 

He stated (via X/@FabrizioRomano), “Fernando Muslera asked me to be subbed off at half time.”

The 2026 campaign has been disastrous for the 40-year-old, as he made an error in every group-stage match that led to a goal for the opposition. Muslera also became the only goalkeeper in World Cup history since 1966 to commit 3 or more errors in a single tournament.

In the first half, La Roja managed only one shot on target, which resulted in a goal. Against Spain, Muslera did not make any saves and recorded a passing accuracy of 54% (7/13). 

It is highly probable that the Uruguayan goalkeeper has made his final appearance for the national team.

World Cup 2026: Uruguay goalkeeper, Muslera refuses to return after halftime in 1-0 defeat to Spain