What is Uruguay's World Cup 2026 group?

Uruguay are in Group H with Spain, Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia.

When is Uruguay vs Spain?

Kickoff is 27 June 2026, midnight UTC, at Estadio Akron in Zapopan.

Is Luis Suárez playing for Uruguay at 2026?

Suárez's participation at 39 is possible but uncertain; if he plays, it would likely be his final tournament.

How many World Cups has Uruguay won?

Uruguay have won the FIFA World Cup twice (1930, 1950), and are two-time Copa América champions.

Is Darwin Núñez playing for Uruguay in 2026?

Yes. Darwin Núñez, Liverpool striker, is Uruguay's primary goal threat.

Is Federico Valverde playing for Uruguay?

Yes. Federico Valverde, Real Madrid midfielder, is Uruguay's midfield centerpiece.

Uruguay World Cup 2026 Team Guide: Squad, Historic Rivalry & Group H Preview

Uruguay at a glance

Uruguay compete in Group H with Spain, Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia. The Celeste are tournament dark horses, featuring experienced squad depth and a historic rivalry with Spain. The marquee fixture is the Spain vs Uruguay rematch in Guadalajara.

Group H fixtures

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (15 June, 22:00 UTC).
Uruguay vs Cape Verde: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (21 June, 22:00 UTC).
Uruguay vs Spain: Estadio Akron, Zapopan (27 June, 00:00 UTC).

Key players to watch

Luis Suárez (FW): likely final World Cup; finishing, pressing, and leadership define tournament legacy.
Federico Valverde (MID): Real Madrid midfielder; athleticism and press resistance stabilize Uruguay.
Diego Godín (DEF): veteran center-back; leadership and aerial authority guide defense.
Sergio Rochet (GK): Inter Milan keeper; distribution and shot-stopping support Uruguay's build-up.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta (MID): Flamengo playmaker; creativity and ball progression.
Matías Viña (DEF): left-back; recovery speed and width.

Uruguay Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2

Official starting lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off. The XI below reflects the predicted selection based on current form and squad news.

Uruguay

4-4-2

Predicted XI · tap a player for their profile

Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.

Uruguay squad overview

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Sebastián Sosa, Campana. Defenders: Diego Godín, Matías Viña, Ronald Araujo, José María Giménez. Midfielders: Federico Valverde, De Arrascaeta, Manuel Ugarte, Nicolás De La Cruz. Forwards: Luis Suárez, Darwin Núñez, Edinson Cavani, Maximiliano Gómez.

Tournament path

Uruguay are Group H underdogs but capable. A top-two finish likely draws the Group G runner-up (Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand) in round of 32. If Uruguay upset Spain, knockout path becomes much more favorable.

Strengths

Experienced core: Suárez, Godín, and Cavani understand winning under pressure.
Midfield athleticism: Valverde and Ugarte offer press resistance and physical presence.
Set-piece threat, multiple headers and direct players in the squad.
Defensive intensity: Uruguay pressure aggressively from the front.

Weaknesses

Aging strikers: Suárez, Cavani both at career twilight; depth behind them is uncertain.
Midfielder physicality, against elite teams (Spain), Uruguay can be overrun in midfield.
Goalkeeper succession: Rochet is relatively untested; backup options are thin.
Tournament history, despite two World Cup wins, recent Cups show Uruguay struggle vs elite teams.

Predictor strategy

Uruguay are favorites against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde; lock Celeste wins. Spain vs Uruguay is a coin flip, both teams can impose their system. Suárez is a premium goalscorer pick; Valverde offers upside through pressing and transitions.

Final Result: Uruguay Were Eliminated in the Group Stage

Uruguay's 2026 World Cup ended in the group stage with only two points, ruling them out even as one of the best third-placed teams. In Group H, Spain and Cape Verde advanced, and Uruguay did not.