Overview
Marcelo Bielsa has shaped Uruguay with energetic football, high-intensity pressing and always looking forward. The familiar 4-3-3 formation of the Argentine strategist requires players to put pressure right on the opponent's half, and at the same time deploy direct attacks at high speed.
However, Bielsa's 3-year journey was not smooth at all. After a period of sublimation at the end of 2023 with victories against Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay declined significantly when they only won 1 out of 12 matches from July 2024 to June 2025. The 1-5 defeat to the USA once raised big questions about Bielsa's future.
However, more positive results recently such as the draw between England and Algeria help confidence gradually return. Uruguay finished the South American World Cup qualifiers in fourth place and continues to be considered a difficult opponent in any major tournament.
The biggest difficulty lies in the attack. Luis Suarez once declared that he would not return to the national team after disagreements with Bielsa, and Edinson Cavani has left the national team. Therefore, the burden of scoring goals is almost placed on Darwin Nunez's shoulders, who is not in good form in the club's colors.
The goal of the Uruguayan Football Federation is to be in the top 8 strongest teams of the 2026 World Cup, while maintaining its position in the top 10 leading national teams in the world.
Coach
Marcelo Bielsa has always been one of the most special coaches in world football. He is famous for his bold tactical thinking, extremely high intensity of work and strong personality.
After a heavy defeat to the United States, Bielsa once attracted attention when holding a press conference lasting more than 90 minutes to acknowledge his limitations and affirm that he would not resign.
World Cup 2026 is Bielsa's third World Cup in his international coaching career, after leading Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010. This may also be the last chance for him to conquer success in the biggest playground on the planet.
Star
All of Uruguay's plans revolve around Federico Valverde. The Real Madrid midfielder is at the peak of his career when entering the age of 27. Compared to the 2022 World Cup, Valverde is currently a more complete, mature player and has a much greater influence in the national team jersey.
Wide operating ability, strong tackling, passing and long-range finishing help Valverde become the "heart" in Uruguay's playing style. If the South American team wants to go deep at the 2026 World Cup, they will need their captain to maintain peak form throughout the tournament.
Notable faces
Maximiliano Araujo is one of the biggest discoveries under Bielsa. From the wing-back position, this player was pushed up to play as a fast and breakthrough winger. After impressive performances in Mexico, Araujo moved to Europe to play for Sporting and continued to develop strongly.
Araujo's dribbling ability, creating breakthroughs and supporting pressing makes him an important card in the tactical system that Bielsa builds.
The silent hero
In the context that Darwin Nunez is not in stable form, Federico Vinas can become a surprise factor.
Real Oviedo's striker once gave up football at the age of 15 before returning two years later and gradually building his career from lower-tier leagues. Last season, he scored 9 goals and contributed to helping Real Oviedo win promotion to La Liga.
Not possessing a great reputation like many teammates, but Vinas is a strikers with strong will and ability to make a difference in important moments.
