MONTEVIDEO — Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has officially unveiled his 26 man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad features a strategic blend of established international stars and rising talent as La Celeste prepares for their 15th tournament appearance.

Squad Highlights

The roster is headlined by key figures including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, Barcelona center-back Ronald Araújo, and Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte. In a notable return, veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, 39, has been recalled from international retirement to participate in what is expected to be his fifth World Cup a record for a Uruguayan player.

Notable Absences

The most significant talking point is the exclusion of all-time leading goalscorer Luis Suárez. Despite the 39-year-old striker’s impressive form with Inter Miami and his public interest in a potential return to the national team, Bielsa opted to stick with his younger core. Other notable omissions include former Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira and Nahitan Nández.

Uruguay's 2026 World Cup Squad

      •  Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes), Santiago Mele (Monterrey)

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

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

      •  Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre (Tigres), Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo), Darwin Núñez (Al-Hilal)

Tournament Context

Uruguay has been drawn into Group H and will face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Spain in the group stage.Marcelo Bielsa, who has confirmed he will step down as Uruguay manager following the conclusion of the tournament, will be looking to guide the team to their first title since 1950.