Uruguay national football team, led by manager Marcelo Bielsa, announced a squad on Monday that features seven uncapped players for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador. Among the fresh faces is River Plate forward Joaquin Lavega, signaling Bielsa’s intent to inject new talent into the squad as they continue their campaign in the South American qualifiers.
Other newcomers in the lineup include Universidad de Chile midfielder Marco Orona, Montevideo Wanderers winger Pablo Suarez, Nacional midfielder Lucas Sanabria, Fluminense midfielder Facundo Bernal, Alavés defender Santiago Mourino, and Gimnasia forward Matias Abaldo. These players have yet to don the national team jersey but now have a golden opportunity to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
Bielsa’s selection also sees the return of some key players who missed September’s qualifiers due to suspension. Among them is Liverpool’s dynamic forward Darwin Núñez, whose blistering pace and clinical finishing will be pivotal in Uruguay’s attack. Atletico Madrid’s stalwart center-back José María Giménez and Napoli’s robust left-back Mathías Olivera also rejoin the squad, fortifying the defensive line for the crucial matches ahead.
Uruguay’s first test will be an away match against Peru in Lima on Friday, followed by a home fixture against Ecuador in Montevideo just four days later. These matches are critical as the Celeste aim to solidify their standing in the South American zone qualifiers. Currently, Uruguay sits in third place with 15 points from eight matches, positioning them well for a direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
The squad reflects a blend of experience and youthful vigor, as Bielsa seeks to balance seasoned veterans with emerging talents. Goalkeepers Sergio Rochet, Santiago Mele, and Franco Israel provide depth between the posts, while defenders like Giménez, Santiago Bueno, and Nahitan Nández are expected to anchor the backline.
In midfield, the inclusion of rising stars like Orona and Bernal alongside stalwarts such as Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, and Giorgian De Arrascaeta ensures a dynamic and versatile engine room for Uruguay. Upfront, the attacking force is bolstered by the return of Núñez and the introduction of Lavega, alongside established forwards Facundo Pellistri, Facundo Torres, and Cristian Olivera.
Uruguay’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers demonstrates Bielsa’s commitment to shaping a team capable of competing at the highest level, blending raw talent with experience as they push forward in their World Cup quest.