Uruguay squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

In goal for Uruguay is the veteran Fernando Muslera. A seasoned campaigner in Europe, the stopper now plays for Estudiantes, and has over 130 caps to his name. It would be a stunning twist if he did not play in goal for Uruguay at the World Cup. 

Still, he has some competition, notably Sergio Rochet, who has served as a dependable understudy for some years now, as well as 25-year-old Franco Israel, who is playing for Torino in Italy. 

Muslera is almost certain to play, but there will be some jostling for position to be his No.2, should there be any fitness issues. 

Jose Maria Gimenez is undoubtedly Uruguay's standout defender, having developed into one of the best defenders in Europe during his time with Atletico Madrid. Now Uruguay's captain, the 31-year-old could reach a century of caps at the World Cup.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo is another key star for Uruguay and, despite an injury-disrupted season, he has slotted back into the Barca defence seamlessly ahead of the tournament.

Santiago Bueno, of Wolves, will hope that his club's dire season has not limited his chances of selection, while Napoli's Mathias Oliveira is likely to be picked.

Uruguay's midfield may well be the key to their hopes of success at the tournament. Federico Valverde has been in outstanding form for Real Madrid and will be vital to their chances, while Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte has arguably shown more form for his country than for his club.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has over 70 caps for his country but he has a serious hamstring injury and has been ruled out since January. If he can recover in time, he is likely to be involved but he faces a race against time.

Flamengo duo Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Nicolas de la Cruz have a baked-in understanding and the former could well replace Bentancur if he is not fit. 

For the first time in years, Uruguay will not be able to call on the services of either Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani, both of whom have retired from the international game.

Without them, Darwin Nunez is the man expected to lead the line at the World Cup, and he has a reasonable record at international level, with 13 goals in 36 caps.

Nevertheless, there is no obvious replacement for two of the country's all-time greats. Elsewhere, Facundo Pellistri, who came through at Manchester United but is now at Panathinaikos, will provide support from the wings as Bielsa looks for a solution to losing two iconic forwards.

Uruguay's standout player is undoubtedly Federico Valverde. The box-to-box midfielder has developed into one of the finest midfield players in the game, and has contributed 20 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos in a stunning season.

Fernando Muslera is a deeply experienced goalkeeper who has been there and done it all, while Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo can form a superb centre-back partnership. 

If he can return to fitness, Rodrigo Bentancur offers a physical option at No.6, but the burden on Darwin Nunez is immense, given he will be filling the shoes of Suarez and Cavani in the Uruguay forward line. If he can hit the net with regularity, maybe the South Americans have a chance of glory for the first time in 76 years.

In goal for Uruguay, Muslera is almost certain to start between the sticks. 

Gimenez and Araujo, particularly if the latter is fit, will likely be partnered at centre-back, while Nahitan Nandez, the midfielder, is also capable of playing at right-back. 

Valverde and Bentancur have a strong midfield pairing but, again, Uruguay will have their fingers crossed when it comes to the fitness of the latter. If he cannot prove his fitness, Ugarte will likely take his place.

And Nunez will lead the line as Uruguay aim to navigate a tricky group also comprising Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.

Predicted Uruguay starting XI (4-3-3): Muslera; Varela, Gimenez, Araujo, Oliveira; Bentancur, Valverde, de Arrascaeta; Pellistri, Nunez, Rodriguez.