La Celeste Enters a New Era Under Marcelo Bielsa
URUGUAY
Two-time world champions, reborn under Marcelo Bielsa.
Head Coach
Marcelo Bielsa leads Uruguay into World Cup 2026 with his trademark intensity, pressing and attacking courage. After the end of the Suárez-Cavani era, Bielsa is shaping a younger Celeste built around Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and a fearless new generation.
World Cup Group
June 15: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — Miami Stadium
June 21: Uruguay vs Cape Verde — Miami Stadium
June 26: Uruguay vs Spain — Estadio Guadalajara
World Cup History
Uruguay will play in its 15th FIFA World Cup. La Celeste won the tournament in 1930 and 1950, producing two of the most iconic triumphs in football history.
A New Celeste
Uruguay enters World Cup 2026 in the middle of a major generational transition. The legendary attacking era of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani has closed, but the country has quickly built a new identity around energy, aggression and elite young talent.
Federico Valverde is now the face of the team, while Darwin Núñez, Ronald Araújo, Manuel Ugarte and Giorgian De Arrascaeta give Bielsa a squad capable of competing with anyone.
Uruguay World Cup Facts
- Confederation: CONMEBOL
- World Cup Appearances: 15
- Best Result: Champions (1930, 1950)
- Last Appearance: Qatar 2022 (Group Stage)
- All-Time Top Scorer: Oscar Míguez (8 World Cup goals)
- Most World Cup Appearances: Edinson Cavani
Players To Watch
Federico Valverde
The captain and emotional leader of Uruguay’s new generation.
Darwin Núñez
Explosive, physical and unpredictable, he gives Uruguay a constant vertical threat.
Ronald Araújo
A defensive leader with elite athleticism and big-game personality.
URUGUAY
Goalkeepers
- #1 Sergio Rochet (Internacional, Brazil)
- #13 Santiago Mele (Monterrey, Mexico)
- #23 Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes, Argentina)
Defenders
- #2 José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- #3 Sebastián Cáceres (Club América, Mexico)
- #12 Guillermo Varela (Grêmio, Brazil)
- #17 Matías Viña (River Plate, Argentina)
- #22 Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras, Brazil)
- #24 Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
- #4 Ronald Araújo (FC Barcelona, Spain)
- #16 Mathías Olivera (Napoli, Italy)
Midfielders
- #5 Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United, England)
- #6 Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur, England)
- #7 Nicolás De La Cruz (Flamengo, Brazil)
- #8 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Spain)
- #10 Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo, Brazil)
- #14 Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense, Brazil)
- #15 Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras, Brazil)
- #18 Brian Rodríguez (Club América, Mexico)
- #20 Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting CP, Portugal)
- #21 Federico Viñas (Real Oviedo, Spain)
- #26 Rodrigo Zalazar (SC Braga, Portugal)
Forwards
- #9 Darwin Núñez (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
- #11 Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos, Greece)
- #19 Rodrigo Aguirre (Tigres UANL, Mexico)
- #25 Juan Manuel Sanabria (Real Salt Lake, United States)
Head Coach
- Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina)
