Marcelo Bielsa has done it again. The Uruguay national team manager stunned the football world after announcing a squad of only 17 players for the upcoming international friendlies in Asia — leaving out nearly all of his star names. True to his unpredictable nature, the decision has ignited debate across Uruguay and the continent.

Why Did Bielsa Call Up Only 17 Players?

According to the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), Bielsa intends to use this October international window to test new players and give opportunities to younger talents with little or no senior experience. The matches against Dominican Republic (October 10) and Uzbekistan (October 13) — both in Malaysia — will serve as a testing ground for the Argentine coach’s next generation.

The absence of key figures such as Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Darwin Núñez, and José María Giménez has raised eyebrows, especially after Uruguay finished fourth in South American qualifying, securing their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Other notable omissions include goalkeepers Sergio Rochet and Santiago Mele, as well as defenders Ronald Araújo, Mathías Olivera, Nahitan Nández, and Joaquín Piquerez.

In classic Bielsa fashion, he will not travel with just those 17 players — 12 youth prospects will accompany the squad as sparring partners during training sessions in Asia, part of his trademark approach to fostering competition and development within the group.

Who Made Bielsa’s 17-Man List?

Goalkeepers: Franco Israel, Cristopher Fiermarín
Defenders: José Luis Rodríguez, Santiago Bueno, Santiago Mouriño, Nicolás Marichal, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Marcelo Saracchi
Midfielders: Nicolás Fonseca, Emiliano Martínez, Kevin Amaro, Ignacio Laquintana, Facundo Torres, Rodrigo Zalazar
Forwards: Federico Viñas, Agustín Álvarez Martínez, Luciano Rodríguez

Among the forwards, Luciano Rodríguez, the 2023 U-20 World Cup champion and new signing for Neom FC in Saudi Arabia, stands out as one of the key figures to watch.

This selection reinforces Bielsa’s clear intent to renew and expand Uruguay’s player pool heading into the next competitive cycle.

Financial Fallout From the Decision

The backlash hasn’t been limited to the pitch. According to journalist Fabián Bertolini, via @BUYSAN on X (formerly Twitter), the AUF will face a $180,000 fine for not including Uruguay’s biggest stars. The contract for the Asian friendlies reportedly contained a clause requiring the participation of key players — or a financial penalty would apply.

Still, Bielsa appears unfazed. The friendlies in Asia will give him the chance to observe fresh talent and test their ability to adapt to his intense, high-pressing system — even if it comes with controversy and financial repercussions.

Uruguay will play Dominican Republic on October 10 in Kuala Lumpur and Uzbekistan on October 13 in Malacca, in a tour that promises not only valuable footballing insights but also plenty of off-field debate.

Once again, Marcelo Bielsa proves that his methods may defy convention — but they’re always driven by one thing: his uncompromising belief in building the future, no matter how many headlines he stirs in the process.