Uruguay 2026 World Cup Squad

Darwin Núñez, Federico Valverde, and La Celeste in the South American Group of Death

Uruguay 2026 World Cup Squad Guide

The South American Group of Death

Group H at the 2026 World Cup is the most watched group for New York City's South American communities: Argentina (defending World Cup champions, Messi), Colombia (James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz), Uruguay (Darwin Núñez and Valverde), and DR Congo. Three of the four teams have large NYC communities all concentrated in Jackson Heights and the surrounding Queens neighborhoods. The Argentina vs Uruguay match — the Río de la Plata derby, one of football's oldest and most intense rivalries — will be one of the most emotional fixtures of the group stage for New York City regardless of the venue.

Darwin Núñez — The Force

Liverpool's striker is one of the most physically imposing and direct attackers at this tournament. His pace, his aerial ability, and his finishing — when it clicks — give Uruguay a forward who can score against any defense. At 25, with two Premier League seasons behind him, he arrives at his first World Cup at the right age and in the right form. Uruguay's entire offensive structure is built around getting him into positions where his pace and physicality can decide matches.

Federico Valverde — The Engine

Real Madrid's midfielder is Uruguay's most complete player. He runs further than almost anyone in European football, contributes in both attack and defense, and has the ability to score from distance. In Bielsa's high-press system, Valverde is the player who makes the press work — his ability to cover ground rapidly and press with intensity for 90 minutes defines Uruguay's tactical identity.

Bielsa's Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa at 71 is still one of the most tactically distinctive managers in world football. His high-intensity pressing system, his demand for total commitment, and his ability to organize young squads into tactically sophisticated units has produced some of the most watchable football in South America. Uruguay under Bielsa is a different proposition from the pragmatic, defensively organized teams of previous generations. They want to press, attack, and create — which makes them both dangerous and occasionally vulnerable.

Squad confirmed by Marcelo Bielsa on May 31, 2026. Notable: Suárez not recalled; Muslera returns from retirement for a record fifth World Cup.

Goalkeepers

• Sergio Rochet — Internacional
• Fernando Muslera — Galatasaray
• Santiago Mele — Junior FC

Defenders

• José María Giménez (C) — Atlético Madrid
• Ronald Araújo — Barcelona
• Santiago Bueno — Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Mathías Olivera — Napoli
• Sebastián Cáceres — Club América
• Guillermo Varela — Flamengo
• Joaquín Piquerez — Palmeiras
• Matías Viña — Flamengo

Midfielders

• Federico Valverde — Real Madrid
• Manuel Ugarte — Manchester United
• Rodrigo Bentancur — Tottenham Hotspur
• Giorgian de Arrascaeta — Flamengo
• Nicolás de la Cruz — Flamengo
• Maximiliano Araújo — Sporting CP
• Facundo Pellistri — Panathinaikos
• Agustín Canobbio — Fluminense
• Emiliano Martínez — Palmeiras
• Brian Rodríguez — Club América
• Rodrigo Zalazar — SC Braga
• Juan Manuel Sanabria — Real Salt Lake

Forwards

• Darwin Núñez — Al-Hilal
• Rodrigo Aguirre — Tigres
• Federico Viñas — Real Oviedo