Bielsa and Uruguay face their first match

The Uruguayan national team, led by Marcelo Bielsa, is already shaping what could be its starting lineup for the match against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, key to Uruguay's aspirations in the group stage, would mark the return of several experienced names and the consolidation of young players who are currently stars in Europe

Team news

In goal, the big news is the return of Fernando Muslera, who has regained prominence after his time with Estudiantes and is once again wearing the blue jersey in a World Cup. The defense is restructured with Guillermo Varela on the right flank, Sebastián Cáceres taking the place of Ronald Araújo, and Mathías Olivera replacing José María Giménez. They are joined by Matías Viña, completing a back line that combines experience and fresh talent.

The midfield, always vital in Bielsa's system, would have Federico Valverde as its axis, the South American team's biggest star and a key player for Real Madrid. At his side, Manuel Ugarte is positioned as the more fixed central midfielder, while Rodrigo Bentancur adds dynamism in the double five with back-and-forth movement. On the left flank is Maximiliano Araújo, tasked with providing offensive width and depth.

In attack, the absence of Georgian De Arrascaeta forces a change of plan: Bielsa would opt for a double nine with Federico Viñas and Darwin Núñez, seeking aerial power and mobility in the opponent's area

Probable lineups 

Uruguay's likely lineup against Saudi Arabia would then be as follows:
Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Sebastián Cáceres, Mathías Olivera, Matías Viña; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Maximiliano Araújo; Federico Viñas and Darwin Núñez. Head coach: Marcelo Bielsa.

With this structure, Uruguay combines hierarchy, youth, and tactical variations to face a match that could be decisive for its World Cup aspirations. The expectation is on how this team will respond to an opponent that often complicates things with its tactical discipline and speed in transition

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