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Uruguay’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are taking shape, with Marcelo Bielsa assembling a squad he hopes can make a deep run in North America.

The two-time world champions are entering a new era, and as the 2026 edition of the World Cup draws closer, Uruguay may be one of the most underestimated sides in the tournament. Under the guidance of Bielsa, a coach with vast experience on the international stage, the South American side could surprise a few teams despite their relative lack of veteran presence this time.

Bielsa, who previously managed both Chile and Argentina, understands the demands of international competition. While Uruguay may not be counted among the favourites, their tactical discipline and emerging talent give them a chance to upset the odds in North America.

This is a transitional phase for the Celeste, who proudly display four stars on their shirt—two from their World Cup triumphs and two recognising their Olympic titles. However, many of their long-serving icons will be absent this time around.

Veterans Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, who have led the line for over a decade, are unlikely to feature in the 2026 campaign. The responsibility now falls on Darwin Nunez, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, to spearhead the attack. In midfield, Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte are expected to play key roles in setting the tempo for Bielsa’s side.

Bielsa will aim to surpass his previous best finish at a World Cup, having taken Chile to the Round of 16 in 2010.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Santiago Mele (Monterrey), Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes)

Defenders: Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Caceres (America), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Matias Vina (River Plate), Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jose Luis Rodriguez (Vasco da Gama), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras)

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Real Salt Lake), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Emiliano Martinez (Palmeiras), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting CP), Nicolas Fonseca (Oviedo)

Forwards: Darwin Nunez (Al-Hilal), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense), Brian Rodriguez (America), Federico Vinas (Oviedo), Facundo Torres (Austin FC), Agustin Alvarez (Monza), Rodrigo Aguirre (UANL)

Group Stage 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

Recent Results:

March 31, 2026: Algeria 0-0 Uruguay, Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy

March 27, 2026: England 1-1 Uruguay, Wembley Stadium, London, England

November 18, 2025: United States 5-1 Uruguay, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States

November 15, 2025: Mexico vs Uruguay, Estadio Corona, Torreón, Mexico

October 13, 2025: Uzbekistan 2-1 Uruguay, Hang Jebat Stadium, Malacca, Malaysia

October 10, 2025: Uruguay 1-0 Dominican Republic, Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

September 9, 2025: Chile 0-0 Uruguay, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile

September 4, 2025: Uruguay 3-0 Peru, Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay

June 10, 2025: Uruguay 2-0 Venezuela, Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay

June 5, 2025: Paraguay 2-0 Uruguay, Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion

March 25, 2025: Bolivia 0-0 Uruguay, El Alto Municipal Stadium, El Ato, Bolivia

March 21, 2025: Uruguay 0-1 Argentina, Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa remains one of football’s most influential tacticians. Ranked no.77 in FourFourTwo’s list of the greatest managers of all time, he has managed across South America and Europe, including spells at Leeds United, Athletic Bilbao, and Marseille.

Known for pioneering the 3-3-3-1 formation, Bielsa’s philosophy emphasises high pressing, fluid movement, and rapid passing. Pep Guardiola famously described him in 2012 as “the best manager in the world.”

During World Cup qualification, Bielsa ended Uruguay’s winless runs against Brazil and Argentina, instilling his attacking principles and discipline swiftly into the side.

Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid vice-captain, has already collected every major club trophy. Ranked no.4 in FourFourTwo’s list of the best central midfielders globally, Valverde’s adaptability is his standout trait. Frequently deployed at right-back for Real Madrid, his tireless work rate and tactical intelligence make him indispensable.

For Uruguay to end an almost 80-year wait for another World Cup crown, Valverde’s leadership and form will be crucial.