Fernando Muslera was hauled off at half-time by Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa to end a humiliating World Cup 2026 campaign during their 1-0 defeat to Spain.
The Estudiantes shot-stopper has endured a nightmare campaign for La Celeste, with his mishandling of Alex Baena’s shot leading to Spain’s opener.
Muslera’s latest error created history for the wrong reasons as the first time a goalkeeper has contributed three errors that have led to goals in one World Cup campaign since records began in 1966.
Muslera could be seen after Baena’s shot dribbled past him and into the corner furiously shouting in frustration.
And Bielsa failed to hesitate at the break, sending on Sergio Rochet in place of the veteran goalkeeper.
It is also the first time that Uruguay have substituted their goalkeeper at the World Cup since substitutions were permitted at Mexico 1970.
Uruguay needed to draw against Spain to qualify from Group J after draws with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia, but defeat has now eliminated them on two points.
Bielsa’s future is in major doubt after speculation over disagreements in the camp, while another controversial decision saw him remove Real Madrid superstar Federico Valverde after 56 minutes following a subdued performance.
