The Uruguay U20 national team started its preparation with a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay in Diego Forlán's debut as head coach. The behind-closed-doors friendly was played on Tuesday at the AUF's Complejo Celeste, as reported by ABC Color Deportes.
Paraguay won with an own goal from Uruguay in the 15th minute and a strike from Junior Gamarra in the 28th. Gamarra, an Olimpia player on loan to Sportivo Trinidense, was one of the standout performers. This result comes as Uruguay's senior national team, La Celeste, sits third in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with 2 points from three games. Their last result was a 0-1 loss to Spain on June 27.
How did Diego Forlán's debut go?
Diego Forlán managed the Uruguay U20 team for the first time in a preparation match. The former star striker, an icon for the senior side, took on the challenge of guiding the new generation. His first match did not end with a positive scoreline, but it is part of the building process ahead of the South American Games. The team showed areas for improvement, especially in a defensive phase that conceded two goals in the first half-hour.
Forlán now has few days to make adjustments before the second duel against the same opponent. The rematch is scheduled for Thursday at 15:00 local time, also at the Complejo Celeste and behind closed doors. This quick return fixture offers an immediate chance for a response and learning for the coaching staff and players.
What did Paraguay show in the victory?
The Paraguayan side, managed by Antolín Alcaraz, was efficient and capitalized on Uruguayan mistakes. The Albirroja U20 took an early lead with an own goal and then solidified their advantage with Gamarra's finish. Paraguayan goalkeeper Leo Sosa kept a clean sheet.
Alcaraz made multiple changes during the second half to rotate the team. Among the substitutions, Mateo Giménez was replaced by Axel Bernal in the 82nd minute, and Enzo González made way for Kevin Amarilla in the 63rd. Players like Joaquín Bogarín, Thiago Fossatti, and Milan Freyres also came on late. These moves indicate both teams used the match to evaluate options ahead of official competition.
What is the goal of these friendlies?
Both Uruguay and Paraguay are using these matches as preparation for the XIII South American Games Santa Fe 2026. The multi-sport event will be held in Argentina from September 15 to 25. For the Uruguay U20 national team, it is a key stage in their development, with an eye on forming players for the future of La Celeste.
The performance of the senior team influences the environment around all youth categories. Uruguay's senior national team currently has a record of 0 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in its last five matches. It also has a goal difference of -1 in World Cup qualifying, with 3 goals scored and 4 conceded. You can check the team's full progress on our stats page.
What's next for the U20 national team?
After the second friendly against Paraguay this Thursday, the U20's focus will shift to the South American Games. For Forlán and his staff, every minute of these matches is valuable for defining lineups and tactics. The road to Santa Fe 2026 is now underway.
Meanwhile, Uruguay's senior national team has an important date on the 2026 World Cup calendar. La Celeste will visit Japan on September 24 in their next official fixture. This match is key to improving their position in the standings, where they trail leaders Spain by 5 points. Fans can follow the team's path in our standings and fixtures sections. The work in the youth categories is a cornerstone for the future success of Uruguayan football at all levels.
