This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration of top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified for the tournament. Daily previews from three countries will be featured leading up to the tournament’s start on June 11.
Strategic Vision
Marcelo Bielsa has significantly influenced the current Uruguay squad. His 4-3-3 formation emphasizes aggressive football, enabling the team to apply pressure on their opponents from the outset and maintain relentless attacking momentum when in possession.
Over the past three years, Bielsa’s tenure has been nothing short of tumultuous, encompassing a World Cup qualifying campaign where Uruguay secured fourth place out of ten in the Conmebol standings, as well as a third-place finish in the 2024 Copa América. The team showcased remarkable performances in the latter half of 2023 with victories against Argentina and Brazil, but followed that with a disappointing stretch of only one win in twelve matches from July 2024 to June 2025, during which they failed to score in nine of those games. A particularly painful 5-1 defeat to the United States in November raised serious doubts about Bielsa’s future. However, confidence was somewhat restored in March, when Uruguay managed a 1-1 draw against England and a goalless stalemate with Algeria.
Historically, Uruguay has boasted formidable attacking talent, but that is no longer the case. Luis Suárez, the team’s all-time leading scorer, made himself unavailable for selection after a fallout with Bielsa at the end of 2024, although he later indicated he would “never reject the national team” a few weeks before the World Cup. With Edinson Cavani’s retirement following the last World Cup in Qatar, Bielsa is likely to depend on Darwin Núñez for goals, despite the striker’s struggles with form at Al-Hilal.
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, has set ambitious goals, stating, “Uruguay must aim to be among the world’s top 10 and thus reach the quarter-finals.” He also addressed worries over the team’s recent performance, saying, “Bielsa is highly motivated for the World Cup. He is dedicated to preparations and aims for a strong tournament. This is the culmination of his hard work, research, and planning.”
Coaching Insights
Following the crushing defeat to the US, Marcelo Bielsa found himself under intense scrutiny. Upon returning to Montevideo, he held a press conference where he expressed his intention to remain in charge, asserting he had the “strength” to continue and acknowledged being questioned by his players regarding his “conduct.”
During the 90-minute press conference, Bielsa candidly reflected on his own shortcomings. “I often describe myself with one word: toxic,” he remarked. “Those who become acquainted with me frequently suffer the consequences. Toxic. There are individuals who only focus on mistakes… This behavior stems from fear. You experience more dread in losing than joy in winning.”
Having previously managed Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010, Bielsa is now leading his third World Cup campaign.
Key Player
Federico Valverde stands out as a crucial player. The Real Madrid captain arrives at this World Cup in peak form; at 27, he is considered one of the finest players globally and is expected to energize Uruguay’s campaign. This marks Valverde’s second World Cup, and since 2022, he has significantly developed his game. He is integral to the team’s strategy, and his performance will be critical if Uruguay hopes to compete with the top midfields. Recently, he mentioned, “I feel great. I have received support and affection from all the Real Madrid fans and the club.”
Emerging Talent
Maximiliano Araújo initially played as a right-back but transitioned to a winger, which led to his transfer to Puebla in Mexico. His impressive displays in Mexico earned him a move to Toluca and subsequently opened opportunities in Europe with Sporting, where he reverted to his original position as a right-back. Bielsa took a risk by selecting Araújo for the first time in 2023, but he has since become one of the highlights of Bielsa’s coaching period. Araújo brings the skills Bielsa seeks in his wingers, particularly the ability to outmaneuver defenders and create overloads against opponents.
Unsung Contributor
Federico Viñas could emerge as a key player due to Darwin Núñez’s recent dip in performance. Viñas’s journey is marked by determination; he left football at 15 only to return two years later. He made his mark in Uruguay’s second division and was signed by América as an economical forward option. After a stint at Club León, he has spent the last two years in Spain, aiding Real Oviedo in their promotion to La Liga and netting nine goals in the top division this season.
Expected Starting Lineup
Fan Engagement and Expectations
Uruguay’s group matches will take place across the US and Mexico, with a significant presence of sky blue-clad fans anticipated in both nations. Supporters traveling to North America will be joined by those who settled there long before the tournament, fostering a reunion between locals and expatriates. Approximately 10,000 supporters are expected to attend matches in the US, a notable figure for a nation with a population of just 3 million.
Political Context
The Uruguayan leftist party, Frente Amplio, has criticized Donald Trump for his threats regarding Cuba. In early May, Trump asserted that the island could be swiftly taken over as he signed an executive order that expanded US sanctions on the Cuban government and its affiliates. Frente Amplio stated, “Threats of military intervention will once again jeopardize the peace of the continent.” Meanwhile, Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is home to the only Trump Tower in South America, which was completed in 2022.
