Uruguay compete in Group Eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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World Cup winners in 1930 and 1950
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Copa América winners 15 times (1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011)
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022
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FIFA ranking: 17
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Nickname: La Celeste
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Top clubs: Peñarol, Nacional, Defensor Sporting, Danubio
Qualification: Uruguay had an inconsistent South American qualifying campaign. Setting aside Argentina, who topped the table by a wide margin, La Celeste finished fourth — with seven wins, seven draws, and four defeats in 18 matches. They did manage to beat world champions Argentina 2–0 in Buenos Aires before losing the return leg 0–1.
Coach: Having taken Argentina (2002) and Chile (2014) to two World Cups, veteran Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa (70) is preparing for a third, this time in charge of La Celeste, whom he has led since 2023. The charismatic "El Loco," as he is known, also has a rich club management record, most notably with Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, and Leeds United.
Star player: Federico Valverde — Real Madrid's captain this season in the absence of the injured Dani Carvajal — endured a turbulent period: a trophy-less campaign with the club, plus a clash with French teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni that left him with a head injury and sidelined for several days. A versatile player capable of fierce defensive work and spectacular attacking moments alike — including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League — Valverde returns to lead his country at the World Cup.
Ambitions: Uruguay enjoyed their golden era in the early twentieth century, dominating South American and world football with titles in 1930 and 1950. Though that era is long past, La Celeste enjoyed a revival in the new millennium — reaching the semi-finals in 2010, the round of 16 in 2014, and the quarter-finals in 2018. However, they are coming off a 2022 disappointment, failing to advance from what appeared a manageable group, and their inconsistent qualifying form raises questions about their current level.