Uruguay coach Bielsa sparks buzz with World Cup portrait snub
What's new: After Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, Bielsa rejected questions about the viral FIFA shoot, saying, “I’m not a model.”
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa drew fresh attention at the 2026 World Cup after refusing to cooperate with a FIFA team portrait session in Cancún, Mexico, then brushing off questions about it after his side's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. Images from the June 10 shoot showed Bielsa looking down with his hands in his pockets while Getty photographers Michael Regan and Molly Darlington photographed the squad. The awkward image quickly spread online. Bielsa, 70, pushed back when asked about the moment, saying he did not owe an explanation for how the picture was taken and objecting to being pressed over his posture and expression. Uruguay's next Group H match is against Cape Verde on Sunday.