This article forms part of an extensive series from an expert network focusing on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, showcasing insights from various top media outlets across the 48 qualifying nations. The tournament is set to kick off on June 11, with daily previews being published, sharing perspectives from three different countries.
Strategic Vision
Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay’s approach has undergone a significant transformation. His implementation of a 4-3-3 formation promotes aggressive, direct play, enabling the team to apply pressure on their opponents and maintain relentless ball pursuit.
In the three years since Bielsa took the helm, Uruguay’s journey has been tumultuous. They secured a fourth place finish in the Conmebol standings during the World Cup qualifiers and achieved a third-place finish in the 2024 Copa América. The latter half of 2023 saw exhilarating performances, including victories over Argentina and Brazil, yet a troubling stretch followed, with only one win in twelve matches (nine of which ended without scoring) from July 2024 to June 2025. A particularly painful 5-1 defeat to the US in November raised doubts about Bielsa’s future. However, morale was somewhat restored with draws against England and Algeria in March.
Modern Uruguay lacks the prolific scoring ability of past squads. Luis Suárez, the team’s all-time leading scorer, withdrew from selection following a fallout with Bielsa in late 2024, although he later expressed his willingness to return to the national side. Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani’s retirement after the last World Cup leaves Bielsa relying on Darwin Núñez, who has faced challenges in finding his form at Al-Hilal.
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, has set ambitious goals: “Uruguay must aim to be among the world’s top ten teams, which necessitates reaching at least the quarter-finals.” He also addressed concerns about the team’s recent performances, stating, “Bielsa is deeply motivated for the World Cup. His focus is on thorough preparations. Achieving a successful tournament is his primary goal, reflecting all his hard work and dedication.”
The Mentor
Following the heavy loss to the US, Marcelo Bielsa faced significant scrutiny. Upon returning to Montevideo, he held a press conference where he declared he would not resign, stating he possessed the resilience to continue and acknowledged that his players had questioned him about his “behavior.”
During the lengthy 90-minute press conference, Bielsa candidly reflected on his own flaws. “I often label myself as toxic,” he admitted. “Those who truly get to know me often find themselves worse off for it. Toxicity exists; some individuals only focus on mistakes… that mentality stems from fear. One tends to dread losing far more than they relish winning.”
This marks Bielsa’s third World Cup as a head coach, having previously led Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010.
Key Player to Watch
Federico Valverde stands out as a pivotal player. The Real Madrid captain enters the World Cup at the peak of his abilities; at 27, he ranks among the elite worldwide and is seen as the potential catalyst for Uruguay’s success. This is Valverde’s second World Cup, and his skills have developed significantly since 2022. He is the focal point of the team’s play, and his performance will be critical for Uruguay to contend against formidable midfields. After a disagreement with his club teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, he expressed confidence, stating, “I feel great. The support and affection from Real Madrid fans and the club have been invaluable.”
A Rising Star
Maximiliano Araújo, initially a right-back, transitioned to a winger, which facilitated his move abroad to Puebla in Mexico. His impressive displays in Mexico led to a transfer to Toluca, eventually paving his way to Europe with Sporting, where he has reverted to his original position as a right-back. Bielsa took a calculated risk in selecting Araújo for the first time in 2023, but he has emerged as one of the success stories under Bielsa’s management. Araújo possesses the desired attributes Bielsa seeks in his wingers, notably the capability to outmaneuver defenders and create numerical advantages.
The Unsung Contributor
Federico Viñas could be poised to make an impact, particularly given Núñez’s recent struggles. Viñas’s journey is one of perseverance; he left football at the age of 15 but returned two years later. He made his mark in Uruguay’s second tier and was subsequently signed by América, who viewed him as a cost-effective option upfront. After a stint at Club León, he has spent the last two years in Spain, playing a vital role in helping Real Oviedo gain promotion to La Liga, netting nine goals in the top division this season.
Expected Lineup
What to Anticipate from Supporters?
Uruguay’s group matches will take place across the US and Mexico, with a significant turnout of sky blue-clad fans anticipated in both nations. Those heading to North America will be joined by long-time expatriates, creating a unique reunion atmosphere. Approximately 10,000 supporters are expected to attend games in the US, a remarkable figure given the nation’s population of just 3 million.
Political Climate and Relations with the US
The Uruguayan ruling party, Frente Amplio, has criticized Donald Trump over his threats regarding Cuba. In early May, the US president suggested that the island could be seized “almost immediately” while signing an executive order that would expand US sanctions against the Cuban government and its affiliates. Frente Amplio stated, “Military intervention threats once again endanger the continent’s peace.” Meanwhile, Montevideo is notable for housing the only Trump Tower in South America, completed in 2022.
