This piece is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a partnership among top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Daily previews are being published leading up to the tournament’s kickoff on June 11.
Strategic Approach
Marcelo Bielsa has significantly influenced Uruguay’s football style. His implementation of a 4-3-3 formation prioritizes aggressive play, enabling the team to press opponents and maintain constant ball pursuit. Uruguay showcases relentless attacking prowess when they control the ball.
The journey has been tumultuous during Bielsa’s three-year tenure, which included a World Cup qualification run that saw them finish fourth in the Conmebol standings and a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa América. Remarkably, after impressive victories against Argentina and Brazil in late 2023, the team endured a bleak spell of just one win in twelve matches, failing to score in nine of those games from July 2024 to June 2025. A humiliating 5-1 defeat to the United States in November raised serious doubts about Bielsa’s future. However, confidence was somewhat restored in March with a draw against England and a goalless match with Algeria.
Uruguay’s current squad lacks the striking power of previous years. Luis Suárez, the all-time top scorer, became unavailable for selection following a fallout with Bielsa at the end of 2024, although he later indicated he would be willing to play for the national team again. With Edinson Cavani’s retirement post-Qatar World Cup, Bielsa is likely to rely on Darwin Núñez, who has struggled to find form at Al-Hilal.
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, has set high expectations: “Uruguay must aim for a spot in the world’s top 10 and reach the quarter-finals.” He also addressed concerns regarding the team’s performance, stating, “Bielsa is extremely motivated for the World Cup. His focus is on preparations, and his goal is to have a phenomenal tournament, the culmination of his extensive work and research.”
Coaching Insights
Following the crushing defeat to the United States, Marcelo Bielsa faced criticism and was perceived as the scapegoat for the loss. Upon returning to Montevideo, he held a press conference to express his commitment, stating he would not resign and that he had the “strength” to continue, while also admitting he faced questions from his players regarding his conduct.
Bielsa candidly discussed his own flaws during a lengthy 90-minute press conference. “I always say one word: I’m toxic,” he admitted. “Those who come to know me often end up worse off for it. Toxic. There are toxic individuals who focus solely on mistakes. This behavior stems from fear, where one fears losing more than enjoying victory.”
With prior experiences coaching Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010, Bielsa embarks on his third World Cup journey.
Key Player
Federico Valverde stands out as a pivotal figure. The captain of Real Madrid comes into this World Cup at his peak performance level; at 27, he ranks among the best globally and is expected to lead Uruguay to greater heights in the tournament. This marks Valverde’s second World Cup appearance, and he has significantly improved since 2022. His influence on the game is paramount, and he must perform at his utmost for Uruguay to compete effectively against formidable midfields. Following a challenge with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, Valverde stated, “I feel very good. I have received immense support from all the Real Madrid fans and the club.”
Up-and-Coming Talent
Maximiliano Araújo’s journey began as a right-back, but his skills as a winger earned him a move to Puebla in Mexico. His impressive displays led to a transfer to Toluca and eventually to Europe with Sporting, where he reverted back to his original position as a right-back. Bielsa took a chance on Araújo in 2023, and the player has since become a standout success under his management, showcasing the ability to take on defenders and create numerical advantages.
Hidden Gem
Federico Viñas could seize his opportunity to shine, especially given Núñez’s recent performance issues. Viñas’s story is one of resilience; he left football at 15 only to return two years later.
He made his mark in Uruguay’s second division before being signed by América as a budget-friendly option. Following a stint at Club León, he has spent the last two years in Spain, helping Real Oviedo achieve promotion to La Liga while scoring nine goals in the top division this season.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations at Matches
Uruguay’s group stage matches will take place across the US and Mexico, where a vibrant presence of sky blue-clad supporters is anticipated. Many fans traveling to North America will reunite with those who have long settled there, creating a heartwarming connection between locals and expatriates. Approximately 10,000 supporters are expected to attend games in the US, a remarkable figure considering Uruguay’s population of just 3 million.
Political Context
The ruling party in Uruguay, Frente Amplio, has publicly criticized Donald Trump for his aggressive stance toward Cuba. In early May, Trump suggested that the US could swiftly take control of the island, coinciding with his signing of an executive order that broadened sanctions on the Cuban government. Frente Amplio remarked, “Threats of military intervention will once again jeopardize the peace of the continent.” Interestingly, Montevideo is home to the only Trump Tower in South America, completed in 2022.
