Uruguay are two-time winners of the World Cup. But they haven’t lifted the trophy since 1950, and the World Cup has changed a lot since then.
La Celeste have had some big names try and fail to win the World Cup in recent tournaments. But there are still a few stars among the ranks.
Get all the latest Uruguay stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the South American side here.
Uruguay route to the World Cup
Uruguay qualified for the 2026 World Cup with relative ease, finishing eight points clear of Bolivia in seventh position, although 10 points behind Conmebol group stage winners, Argentina.
Uruguay were one of five sides to end up within one point of each other in qualifying, winning seven of their 18 matches. They only lost four times but it was their seven draws that held them back from taking more control in the group.
Since qualifying, Uruguay have participated in four friendlies, beating Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan before securing a draw against Mexico. A disappointing 5-1 loss to USA followed but wouldn’t have deterred Uruguay in their belief that they can make an impact at the World Cup.
Uruguay World Cup 2026 fixtures
Uruguay have been drawn into Group H at the World Cup and will kick off their campaign on 15th June against Saudi Arabia. Their matchup against Cape Verde follows on 21st June before their final group game, and one that could potentially decide the group, against Spain on 27th June.
READ MORE: Get the latest Uruguay World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Uruguay key players for World Cup 2026
Uruguay top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Darwin Nunez
- Key stat: Darwin Nunez averages a goal every 2.76 games for his nation.
Darwin Nunez has taken up the mantle left by Luis Suarez as Uruguay’s best hope in the final third. He’s found the net 13 times in 36 appearances for his nation and, despite having what many deemed an underwhelming time at Liverpool over the course of three seasons, still managed 25 goals in 95 appearances for the club. Since his move to Al-Hilal he’s only appeared 24 times, scoring nine goals. But he’s not in their current league squad after seeking a move away in the winter window.
Uruguay primary playmaker: Federico Valverde
- Key stat: Valverde has won 71 caps for Uruguay, contributing eight goals with two of those coming in 15 Conmebol qualifying matches.
Federico Valverde has grown into Uruguay’s primary playmaker, blending relentless energy with intelligence and authority in midfield. Once known mainly for his box-to-box running, Valverde now dictates tempo, links phases of play, and drives Uruguay forward with purpose. His ability to cover ground allows teammates freedom, while his passing range and long-range shooting add a constant attacking threat.
Uruguay card magnets & top tacklers: Nahitan Nández
- Key stat: Nandez collected six yellow cards in 13 matches in Uruguay’s Conmebol qualifying campaign.
Nahitan Nández has embodied Uruguay’s edge during the Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, earning a reputation as both a relentless tackler and a card magnet. His intensity, pressing, and willingness to engage physically make him indispensable in midfield and wide areas, where he disrupts opponents and sets the tone. That same aggression, however, has placed him at the top of Uruguay’s disciplinary chart, reflecting the fine line he walks between control and chaos.
Uruguay rising star: Julio Daguer
- Key stat: Julio Daguer made his senior Uruguay national team debut at just 17 years old in October 2025, becoming the youngest player to play for them in the 21st century.
Julio Daguer is emerging as one of Uruguay’s most exciting young prospects, combining composure beyond his years with a modern midfield profile. Breaking through at an exceptionally young age, he has already made history with an early senior debut for La Celeste, underlining the faith placed in his talent. Comfortable in possession and tactically intelligent, Daguer stands out for his calm decision-making and ability to link play under pressure. His rapid progression through Uruguay’s youth levels reflects both consistency and versatility.
STAND-OUT STAT: Uruguay are the smallest country by population to have ever won the World Cup having lifted the trophy in 1930 and 1950.
Uruguay set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Darwin Nunez
- Free kicks: Giorgian de Arrascaeta
- Corners: Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Nicolas de la Cruz
Uruguay tactical analysis and formation
Uruguay team stats (average per game from Conmebol qualifying campaign):
- Corners: 4.38
- Shots on target: 3.27
- Shots on target conceded: 3.27
- Offsides: 1.16
Marcelo Bielsa prefers a high-intensity, vertical 4-3-3 formation which fully utilises the athleticism within his squad. Nunez is likely to lead the line, with support coming from the pace and creativity of de la Cruz and Araujo.
The midfield looks really balanced with Ugarte acting as a screener, allowing Valverde and de la Cruz more freedom to control the play higher up the pitch. The centre of the Uruguay defence possesses plenty of top-level experience in Europe with Araujo and Gimenez being two of La Liga’s elite centre backs.
Get the latest Uruguay World Cup goals, assists, shots, passes and tackle stats here
Uruguay manager analysis
Marcelo Bielsa is one of football’s most influential and uncompromising thinkers, revered as much for his ideas as for his results. His career has spanned clubs and national teams across Argentina, Europe, and South America, including Newell’s Old Boys, Argentina, Chile, Athletic Club, Marseille, Leeds United, and now Uruguay.
Tactically, Bielsa is synonymous with intensity, man-oriented pressing, vertical play, and positional bravery. His teams attack relentlessly, defend high up the pitch, and demand extraordinary physical and mental commitment. Bielsa prioritises structure without rigidity, encouraging players to understand space, responsibility, and collective sacrifice. His methods are meticulous, often extreme, and rooted in preparation and detail.
Since taking charge of Uruguay, Bielsa has overseen a cultural and tactical shift. He has modernised La Celeste’s identity, blending traditional Uruguayan aggression with high pressing, fast circulation, and attacking ambition.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcelo Bielsa | Uruguay | 34 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 44.12 |
Uruguay World Cup FAQs
Have Uruguay ever won the World Cup?
Uruguay are two-time World Cup winners, although none of these came in the modern era. They were the first ever winners of the World Cup in 1930 and followed this up with another victory in 1950.
Where did Uruguay finish in the last World Cup?
The 2022 World Cup was, ultimately, a disappointing one for La Celeste when they crashed out in the group stages. They were, in truth, a little unlucky with goal difference proving to be the deciding factor in South Korea qualifying ahead of them.
Who will be Uruguay captain at the World Cup?
Jose Maria Gimenez is the captain for Uruguay and is likely win his 100th cap at the 2026 World Cup. Federico Valverde is vice-captain.
Who is the Uruguay’s top scorer at World Cups?
Oscar Míguez is the all time top scorer for Uruguay at World Cup finals, scoring eight goals across the 1950 (five) and 1954 (three) tournaments. Luis Suarez is close behind on seven goals across three competitions, with Diego Forlan scoring six World Cup goals.
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