Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad: Marcelo Bielsa's latest selection

Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad: Darwin Nunez of Uruguay poses during the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 portrait session. — Darwin Nunez of Uruguay could lead his nation to World Cup glory if he can finally find his shooting boots. (Image credit: Pat Elmont - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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The Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad has been announced, ahead of the two-time champion nation's trip to North America this summer.

With World Cup 2026 fast approaching now, Uruguay have one of the more underrated squads at the tournament, and a manager with bags of experience.

Marcelo Bielsa has led both Chile and Argentina in the past, and, though they're not one of the favourites for the tournament in North America, they're well-positioned to spring shocks under his guidance.

This is a transitional time for the two-time world champions – four if you count the Olympic Games (which Uruguay do, with the four stars on their shirt) – who will be without their icons of yesteryear.

Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez have led the Uruguayan front-line for years, however, neither striker will be present in North America this summer.

Instead, it's up to Darwin Nunez, now playing in Saudi Arabia after an underwhelming three years at Liverpool, while Real Madrid veteran Federico Valverde and Manchester United man Manuel Ugarte are both likely to start in midfield.

Bielsa will be hoping to record his best finish at a World Cup as manager, previously reaching the Round of 16 with Chile in 2010.

Squad

Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad: The final selection

GK: Sergio Rochet (Internacional)
GK: Santiago Mele (Monterrey)
GK: Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes)
DF: Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)
DF: Jose Maria Gimenez (Atlético Madrid)
DF: Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
DF: Sebastian Caceres (America)
DF: Mathias Olivera (Napoli)
DF: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)
DF: Matias Vina (River Plate)
DF: Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras)
DF: Juan Manuel Sanabria (Real Salt Lake)
MF: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
MF: Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur)
MF: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)
MF: Emiliano Martinez (Palmeiras)
MF: Rodrigo Zalazar (Sporting CP)
MF: Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
MF: Nicolas De La Cruz (Flamengo)
MF: Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense)
MF: Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting CP)
MF: Brian Rodriguez (America)
MF: Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos)
FW: Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal)
FW: Federico Vinas (Real Oviedo)
FW: Rodrigo Aguirre (Tigres)

Fixtures

June 15, 2026: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States
June 20, 2026: Uruguay vs Cape Verde, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States
June 26, 2026: Uruguay vs Spain, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States

Manager

Who is the Uruguay manger?

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa crouching on the sidelines. — Marcelo Bielsa likes to take the game in from a an unusual angle. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Marcelo Bielsa, ranked at no.77 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest managers ever, is one of football's most influential coaches, with stints across different South American nations, as well as Leeds United, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.

He popularised a 3-3-3-1 formation that relied on high pressing, quick passing play and worked to great effect, causing Pep Guardiola to label him as the "best manager in the world" in 2012.

During the World Cup qualifying, he ended winless streaks against Brazil and Argentina, quickly establishing his philosophies on his Uruguayan squad.

Star Player

Who is Uruguay's star player?

Federico Valverde of Uruguay looks on during the international friendly match between Uruguay and Ivory Coast. — Federico Valverde will need to inspire his nation this summer. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Federico Valverde, now the vice-captain of Real Madrid and often filling in for Dani Carvajal when he is unavailable, has won everything there is to win at club level.

Ranked at no.4 in FourFourTwo's list of the best central midfielders in the world right now, one of his biggest strengths is his versatility, often playing at right-back for Real Madrid with a relentless engine in tow that makes him any manager's dream.

For Uruguay to end an almost 80-year spell without a World Cup, he will need to be at the top of his game.

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Ewan is a freelance writer and social media manager who has worked for The Athletic, GOAL, 90min and OneFootball. From Gelsenkirchen to Riyadh, he has covered some of the biggest games in football in his three years in the industry.