Uruguay announce squad for October international break

Uruguay will look to return to winning ways

Uruguay have announced the squad for the two upcoming crucial CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification matches against Colombia and Brazil.

The first match will be played against Colombia at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez. The second match is at home against Brazil at the Estadio Centenario.

Uruguay started their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Chile. Nicolas De La Cruz scored a brace and Federico Valverde scored a goal to take a 3-0 lead over their opponents. A late goal from Vidal ended the contest with a 3-1 result.

The second game was played against Ecuador and Bielsa's side lost 2-1. Despite scoring the first goal, Uruguay failed to take any points from this game. This was Marcelo Bielsa's first loss as Uruguay manager. Bielsa took the Uruguay job in May with the aim of rejuvenating the squad.

For this international break, Barcelona's Ronald Araujo returns from injury. Veteran midfielder Matias Vecino also comes to the squad. He becomes the eldest player to make it to the squad.

Uruguay needs at least one win to strengthen their chances of qualification.

Uruguay squad for October international break

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Franco Israel (Sporting Lisbon) and Santiago Mele (Junior Barranquilla)

Defenders: Santiago Bueno (Girona), Bruno Mendez (Corinthians), Sebastian Cacares (América de Mexico), Puma Rodríguez (Vasco da Gama), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matías Viña (Sassuolo), and Lucas Olaza (Krasnodar) and Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Nahitan Nández (Cagliari), Matías Vecino (Lazio), Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), and Nicolás de la Cruz (River Plate).

Forwards: Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca), Facundo Torres (Orlando City), Brian Rodríguez (América de Mexico), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Cristian Olivera (Los Angeles FC), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo), and Darwin Nunez (Liverpool).