Uruguay team profile – FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Uruguay.
FIFA World Ranking: 17
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Who is Uruguay’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Uruguay’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Marcelo Bielsa. One of the most impactful coaches in world football, Bielsa has been in charge of the Uruguayan national team since May 2023, his second international job after leading home country Argentina from 1998-2004.
Who is Uruguay’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Uruguay’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Jose Maria Gimenez. The centre-back has over 95 caps for his country and was named skipper in 2024.
How many times have Uruguay participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
14 – 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
What is Uruguay’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Winners – 1930, 1950
How did Uruguay qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Uruguay qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing fourth-place in the CONMEBOL group which sees ten nations play a round-robin format with the top six finishers automatically qualifying for FIFA World Cup 26.
Across 18 matches, Uruguay ended on 28 points with seven wins, seven draws and four defeats, finishing level on points with Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay. Striker Darwin Nunez top-scored for Uruguay across the CONMEBOL qualifiers with five goals.
Confirmation of Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on September 4, 2025 after a 3-0 win over Peru.
Who are Uruguay’s star players?
Midfielder Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) is a regular for club and country, his special talent being not just his knack of contributing heavily on the defensive side of things but also popping up in goalscoring positions. Valverde has a UEFA Champions League hat-trick to his name this season for Real Madrid, a competition he has won twice with Los Blancos, whilst he has also scored a penalty at Wembley Stadium for Uruguay in a friendly against England which ended 1-1.
With the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani no longer figures in the national team up front, Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal) has since taken the reigns as Uruguay’s most dangerous striker. He has over ten goals in senior international football and is a former English Premier League winner with Liverpool.
Maxi Araujo (Sporting CP) will no doubt be roaming up and down the left-hand side without rest and those fitness levels are to be admired. Like Valverde, Araujo is a key piece at both ends of the pitch and registered the most assists of any Uruguayan player in the qualification stage for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Who is in Uruguay’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Uruguay are in Group H, which consists of the following teams:
Spain
Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Spain’s Group H fixtures are as follows:
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Monday June 15, 2026 – 6:00pm ET, 11:00pm UK
Uruguay vs Cabo Verde: Sunday June 21, 2026 – 6:00pm ET, 11:00pm UK
Uruguay vs Spain: Friday June 26, 2026 – 8:00pm ET, 1:00am UK (Saturday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Uruguay’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mayakoba Training Centre – Cancun, Mexico
Expert prediction for Uruguay’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Two-time FIFA World Cup winners Uruguay have been drawn in the same group as European champions Spain, which immediately puts their hopes of topping Group H in significant jeopardy. Especially with Lamine Yamal likely to be fit for the Spaniards by the time these two nations meet in the third round of group games. Whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s side will likely be favourites to beat both Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde, Spain will be expected to defeat them.
Finishing runners-up in Group H has huge ramifications when considering the knockout stage bracket for FIFA World Cup 2026. Assuming Uruguay claim that spot they would be set to face the Group J winners, which bar any surprise result would be defending champions Argentina. Whilst Bielsa’s side did beat them once in qualifying, come the actual tournament you would have to favour Lionel Messi and co to emerge victorious.
What round will Uruguay reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 32
