The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced the new coach’s first preliminary squad for the upcoming friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India. The initial list is a large one, featuring 46 players and offering the first indications of what the coach may have in mind as he begins rebuilding the team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Diego Forlán Surprises With His First Uruguay Squad
A new era for Uruguay is officially underway, and Diego Forlán has made his first major decision since taking charge of La Celeste.
But among so many names, there is one absence that immediately stands out: Luis Suárez is not among the players selected.
Forlán Begins Building His Own Uruguay
The list is not yet the final squad, but it provides the first clues about Forlán’s project.
The new head coach has decided to cast a wide net, selecting 46 players for consideration before reducing the group that will take part in the three friendlies.
The way several players were categorized also caught attention. Lucas Villalba, Diego Rossi, Luciano Rodríguez, Facundo Pellistri and Brian Rodríguez, players known primarily for their attacking qualities, were listed among the midfielders by the AUF.
Beyond the positions, the message appears clear: Forlán wants to evaluate a large group before beginning to make definitive decisions.
Luis Suárez Is Left Out of the First List
The most notable absence is Luis Suárez.
The legendary striker was not included among the 46 players reserved for this first international window under Forlán, a decision that inevitably attracts attention because of everything the forward represents in the recent history of Uruguay.
However, with this being only a preliminary list and the first matches of a new era, it remains to be seen whether his absence applies only to this international window or represents a sign of the coach’s plans moving forward.
Forlán Keeps Much of the World Cup Core
Although a new cycle is beginning, Forlán has not decided to completely break away from the group that competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Of the 26 players Marcelo Bielsa took to the tournament, only five are not included in this first preliminary list: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Matías Viña, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolás de la Cruz.
That means a significant part of the structure of the previous Uruguay squad will remain under consideration, at least initially, under the new coaching staff.
The friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India will serve as Forlán’s first testing ground in charge of the senior national team.
The final squad is still to come, but the first decisions are already on the table.
And with 46 names, several notable absences and a new era getting underway, Forlán is beginning to build his own Uruguay.
