Uruguay URU

Uruguay arrive at the 2026 World Cup as CONMEBOL's 17th-ranked side in the world, carrying the weight of a nation that expects deep runs in major tournaments. Under Marcelo Bielsa, La Celeste line up in a disciplined 5-1 shape, though the mood around the camp has been anything but serene. A brutal 5-1 defeat to the USA in November heaped pressure on the Argentine coach, and the squad will need to hit the ground running if they are to reach their stated target of the quarter-finals.

On the pitch, Bielsa's fingerprints are unmistakable. Brace yourselves for Bielsa-ball: expect La Celeste to press their opponents high up the field and chase the ball at all times, suffocating teams with relentless collective energy. It is a demanding system, but one that can be devastating when the squad buys in fully.

The concern, however, lies at the other end. Uruguay do not have the scoring power of old, and hopes are being pinned heavily on Darwin Núñez — a striker who has struggled for form at Al-Hilal. If he cannot rediscover his best, goals may prove hard to come by.

The squad does boast genuine quality throughout. Defensively, José María Giménez and Ronald Araújo provide a formidable backbone, while Fernando Muslera guards the goal. In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Federico Valverde offer industry and craft, with Giorgian de Arrascaeta capable of unlocking defences. Guillermo Varela, Matías Viña, Federico Viñas, and Juan Manuel Sanabria round out a group with enough talent to cause problems for any opponent — provided the collective clicks when it matters most.