Uruguay names 26-man squad for World Cup 2026, Ugarte included, Suárez excluded
Uruguay has announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte but notably omitting former captain Luis Suárez. The roster, revealed late Tuesday, balances youth and experience as La Celeste targets a deep tournament run.
Uruguay’s national team coach, Marcelo Bielsa, unveiled the country’s 26-man World Cup 2026 squad on Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through South American football. Among the selected players is Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose defensive midfield prowess has earned him a starting role in Bielsa’s high-pressing system. The omission of 40-year-old striker Luis Suárez, a World Cup veteran with 68 goals in 137 appearances, marks the end of an era for Uruguay’s most decorated player.
The squad, announced from Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, includes 11 overseas-based players, with six plying their trade in Europe. At 24 years old, forward Facundo Pellistri of Manchester United headlines the domestic contingent, while veteran defender Diego Godín, now 39, returns for his fifth World Cup campaign. Bielsa has opted for a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars, with 10 players aged 23 or younger.
| Position | Key Selection | Notable Omission |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Sergio Rochet (Inter Miami) | Fernando Muslera (retired) |
| Striker | Darwin Núñez (Liverpool) | Luis Suárez |
| Midfield | Manuel Ugarte (Man Utd) | Matías Vecino (unselected) |
Bielsa, known for his tactical flexibility, has structured the squad to adapt to both possession-based and counter-attacking styles. Ugarte, signed by Manchester United for £65 million in January, will anchor a midfield that includes Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and Nicolás de la Cruz of Flamengo. The defensive line features young talents like Mathías Olivera of Napoli and Ronald Araújo of Barcelona, alongside Godín’s leadership.
Key Points
- ✅ Manuel Ugarte included after stellar Man Utd debut
- ⚡ Luis Suárez left out, ending 16-year international career
- 💡 11 overseas players reflect Uruguay’s global talent pool
The squad’s average age is 27.3 years, with a deliberate push toward rejuvenation. Pellistri, who has struggled for minutes at Man Utd, will be crucial in Uruguay’s wide attacks. Meanwhile, 21-year-old midfielder Manuel Wila of Peñarol has earned his first senior call-up, signaling a generational shift. Bielsa’s decision to exclude Suárez, despite his 2022 World Cup goal against Portugal, underscores the coach’s focus on building a team for the future.
📋 Squad Breakdown
- 26 players — Total squad size for World Cup 2026
- 11 overseas-based — Players contracted to clubs outside Uruguay
- 10 under 23 — Young talents included in the squad
Uruguay, ranked 16th in FIFA’s latest standings, faces a tough group in 2026, potentially including hosts USA, Canada, and a European powerhouse. The draw, scheduled for December 2025 in New York, will determine the Celestes’ path. Bielsa has already warned that Uruguay will not be an easy opponent, regardless of the group’s composition.
- First Group Match — June 14, 2026, against USA in Kansas City
- Second Group Match — June 21, 2026, opponent TBD
- Final Group Match — June 28, 2026, opponent TBD
The absence of Suárez, who scored 29 goals in 13 World Cup qualifiers, leaves a void in Uruguay’s attack. His replacement will likely be Darwin Núñez, who has struggled with consistency at Liverpool but remains a physical presence. Bielsa’s system prioritizes pressing and quick transitions, a style that has defined Uruguay’s recent successes, including their 2022 quarterfinal run.
💡 Pro Tip
For fans tracking Uruguay’s progress, keep an eye on Manuel Ugarte’s role in midfield. His ability to intercept passes and dictate tempo will determine whether Uruguay can replicate their 2022 form. Bielsa’s reliance on him suggests Ugarte could be the tournament’s breakout star.
Training camps begin in March 2026, with a focus on tactical cohesion. The squad will gather in Colonia del Sacramento for pre-tournament preparation, where Bielsa plans to refine their pressing triggers and set-piece routines. With Suárez’s legacy fading and a new generation rising, Uruguay enters the 2026 World Cup with a chance to redefine their footballing identity.