Just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has made a major selection decision by leaving veteran striker Luis Suárez out of his final 26-man squad for the tournament.
Suárez, who currently plays for Inter Miami, has enjoyed a solid MLS campaign, scoring six goals in 11 matches this season. However, his performances were not enough to convince Bielsa to recall him to the national team for football's biggest competition.
The 39-year-old striker last represented Uruguay in 2024. He remains the country's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 international appearances. Only Diego Godín has played more matches for Uruguay, having earned 161 caps during his international career.
Midfielder Nahitan Nández has also been left out of the squad despite playing an important role during Uruguay's World Cup qualifying campaign. The decision has sparked considerable debate among fans and football analysts.
On a positive note, Uruguay have welcomed back Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, who has recovered from injury and is expected to play a key leadership role during the tournament. Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is also expected to be one of the team's main attacking threats.
Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who has made 134 international appearances, returns to the squad and is set to participate in his fifth World Cup. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid defender José María Giménez is approaching the milestone of 100 appearances for the national team.
Uruguay's 26-Man World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Sergio Rochet
- Fernando Muslera
- Santiago Mele
Defenders
- Guillermo Varela
- Ronald Araújo
- José María Giménez
- Santiago Bueno
- Sebastián Cáceres
- Mathías Olivera
- Joaquín Piquerez
- Matías Viña
Midfielders
- Manuel Ugarte
- Emiliano Martínez
- Rodrigo Bentancur
- Federico Valverde
- Agustín Canobbio
- Juan Manuel Sanabria
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta
- Nicolás de la Cruz
- Rodrigo Zalazar
- Facundo Pellistri
- Maximiliano Araújo
- Brian Rodríguez
Forwards
- Rodrigo Aguirre
- Federico Viñas
- Darwin Núñez
When Will Uruguay Begin Their World Cup Campaign?
Uruguay have been drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.
Their opening match will be against Saudi Arabia on June 15, 2026. They will then face Cape Verde on June 21 before concluding the group stage with a highly anticipated clash against Spain on June 26.
Despite the absence of Suárez, Uruguay still possess a strong blend of experience and youthful talent. Much of the spotlight will be on Valverde, Núñez, Ronald Araújo, and Manuel Ugarte as La Celeste pursue their first World Cup title since 1950.
