Suarez Left Out As Uruguay Unveil 2026 World Cup Squad

Veteran striker Luis Suarez has been left out as Uruguay head coach unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 world cup.

Suarez had recently left the door open for an international return, saying he would reverse his retirement if needed in the national side after a 20-month absence.

Uruguay have included Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Ugarte is one of three Premier League players selected for the tournament in North America along with Wolves defender Santiago Bueno and Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

Ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is included in the party by Bielsa despite his lack of game time in recent months.

Nunez has not played in the Saudi Pro League for his club Al-Hilal since February after the club was forced to reshuffle its foreign-player registrations when they signed former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.

Uruguay are in Group H and play their first match against Saudi Arabia on 15 June, followed by games against Cape Verde and Spain.

Uruguay squad for 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Santiago Mele (Junior FC)

Defenders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastian Caceres (Club América), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matias Vina (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atletico San Luis), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Rodrigo Zalazar (SC Braga), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting CP), Brian Rodriguez (Club America)

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre (Club America), Federico Vinas (Real Oviedo), Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal)