Uruguay’s World Cup 2026 Prep: Núñez Returns, Muslera Back, as Bielsa Shapes a Star-Studded Squad
23 March 2026
Uruguay Names Squad for England and Algeria Friendlies Ahead of World Cup 2026
The Uruguay Football Association announced the national team’s squad for two forthcoming friendlies during the current international window, with England and Algeria on the slate under Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa.
The top of the list is the return of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, back with La Celeste for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, following more than three and a half years away from the setup.
Muslera’s last appearance, the Copa América 2011 winner, came in June 2022 against Panama. If he is selected for the 2026 World Cup, he would become the first Uruguayan to play in five World Cup finals in history.
Also making a strong return is Darwin Núñez, the star striker who plays for Al Hilal, along with Federico Valverde of Real Madrid, who returns after missing the friendlies in November against Mexico and the United States.
Key stars are joined by defenders Ronald Araujo (Barcelona) and Jose Maria Gimenez (Atlético Madrid), along with Manuel Ogarte and Giorgian De Arrascaeta, highlighting a blend of youth and experience.
This call-up forms part of Uruguay’s preparation for World Cup 2026, with the team placed in Group 8 alongside Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay’s squad was announced as follows:
Goalkeepers: Santiago Meili (Monterrey), Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes de La Plata), Sergio Rochet (Internacional).
Defenders: Jose Luis Rodríguez (Vasco da Gama), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Sebastian Cáceres (America de México), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atlético Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton), Matias Olivera (Napoli), Matias Viña (Flamengo), Joaquin Pirez (Palmeiras).
Midfielders: Juan Manuel Sanabria (San Luis), Manuel Ogarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Facundo Torres (Austin), Facundo Pelistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting), Nicolas De La Cruz (Flamengo), Brian Rodríguez (América), Augusto Canobbio (Fluminense), Nicolas Foncisa (Real Oviedo), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Augustine Alvarez Martinez (Monza), Rodrigo Aguirre (América), Darwin Núñez (Al Hilal), Federico Vinias (Real Oviedo).
