The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, and Uruguay have officially announced the 26 players selected by Marcelo Bielsa for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The squad is led by established stars such as Federico Valverde, Ronald Araujo and Fernando Muslera, who returns from international retirement to take part in another World Cup.

Muslera Chases History; Luis Suárez Left Out

Fernando Muslera had previously retired from international football but decided to return for one final World Cup campaign with Uruguay.

The veteran goalkeeper is set to become the Uruguayan player with the most FIFA World Cup appearances, as he prepares to participate in his fifth tournament.

Meanwhile, Luis Suárez is the most notable omission. The legendary striker was not included in the squad and will miss a World Cup for the first time since South Africa 2010.

Uruguay’s Official Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Santiago Mele (Monterrey, Mexico)
• Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes de La Plata, Argentina)
• Sergio Rochet (Internacional, Brazil)

Defenders

• Guillermo Varela (Flamengo, Brazil)
• Sebastián Cáceres (Club América, Mexico)
• Ronald Araujo (Barcelona, Spain)
• José María Giménez (Atlético de Madrid, Spain)
• Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
• Mathías Olivera (Napoli, Italy)
• Matías Viña (River Plate, Argentina)
• Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras, Brazil)

Midfielders

• Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atlético San Luis, Mexico)
• Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United, England)
• Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras, Brazil)
• Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo, Brazil)
• Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos, Greece)
• Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting CP, Portugal)
• Nicolás De La Cruz (Flamengo, Brazil)
• Brian Rodríguez (Club América, Mexico)
• Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense, Brazil)
• Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga, Portugal)
• Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur, England)
• Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Spain)

Forwards

• Rodrigo Aguirre (Club América, Mexico)
• Darwin Núñez (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
• Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo, Spain)

Valverde and Araujo Lead Uruguay’s World Cup Ambitions

Uruguay head into the World Cup with a blend of experience and proven talent competing at the highest levels of club football.

Federico Valverde will serve as the team’s primary leader after establishing himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important players, while Ronald Araujo anchors a defense built on strength, leadership and international experience.

Alongside them, Bielsa will rely on key contributors such as Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Darwin Núñez as Uruguay look to make a deep run in the tournament.

Bielsa’s Challenge in the United States, Mexico and Canada

Marcelo Bielsa will enter his first World Cup as Uruguay manager aiming to return La Celeste to the latter stages of the competition.

With a roster that combines veteran leadership and emerging talent, Uruguay will hope to challenge the world’s biggest football powers and add another memorable chapter to the nation’s rich World Cup history.

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