Uruguay predicted lineup for Copa America 2024

La Celeste will be looking for their 16th title.

Team Uruguay is set to kick off their 46th season in the Copa America with a match against Panama. The South American stalwarts will face Bolivia, Panama, and the USA in their upcoming Group C games of the tournament.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men aim to clinch their 16th Copa America title, boasting a squad that perfectly blends experienced champions with emerging, fierce, and prolific youngsters.

Let’s take a look at how the 26-member La Celeste side will line up as they target ending their long trophy drought in the Copa America, having last won the title in 2011.

Uruguay Predicted Lineup (Formation: 4:1:2:1:2):

GK: Sergio Rochet

31-year-old Sergio Rochet is expected to be Bielsa’s first-choice goalkeeper. The right-footed 1.90 m goalie has been a regular for La Celeste since making his debut on January 28, 2022. He has a reputation for maintaining clean sheets or conceding just one goal per game.

LB: Mathias Olivera

Olivera has proved to be a quality option for Napoli in the 2023-24 Serie A. His ability to move forward will surely be a plus for Bielsa.

The 26-year-old made his debut for the national team in 2022. Since then, he has been a regular for the side, having played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and various international friendlies.

CB: Jose Gimenez

The Atletico Madrid player has been a long-time representative for the national side. The solid center-back has been out with a knee injury for some time, missing several of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

But the maestro is back now to perform his defensive duties, having previously featured in 89 international games, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.

CB: Sebastian Caceres

At only 24 years old, Caceres is expected to pair with Gimenez to provide solid support at the back. Caceres has featured in all of Uruguay’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers played so far. Since his inclusion, Uruguay has had a magnificent run, recently beating world champions Argentina and formidable Brazil.

RB: Ronald Araujo

The FC Barcelona defender is surely one of the best in the world right now. Ronald Araujo usually plays as a center-back but fits well in the role of a right-back when needed. His defensive skills and tackling abilities are a nightmare for forwards.

Araujo was out of the game for a significant time due to serious injuries. But he is now fully fit to represent his nation. He has previously featured in 13 World Cup Qualifiers.

CDM: Manuel Ugarte

The 23-year-old PSG defensive midfielder can prove to be a game-changer for Bielsa’s side. The technically sound CDM has featured in 25 Ligue 1 games for the French giants in 2023-24. He has also appeared in eight Champions League games this season.

Ugarte has already featured in 15 games for the national side, playing a full 90 minutes in the recent wins against Brazil and Argentina.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has featured in 23 EPL games this season. His impact has been well felt by the English giants in the recently concluded 2023-24 season.

Bentancur’s impact on La Celeste has been even greater. Since his debut in 2017, Rodrigo has represented Uruguay regularly. However, he was out for some time recently due to a cruciate ligament tear.

CM: Federico Valverde

Real Madrid’s ace midfielder Federico Valverde is surely Uruguay’s trump card in Copa America 2024. The 1.82 m CM had a dream 2023-24 with his club, clinching La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. This season, he has featured in 54 club games, scoring three goals and providing eight vital assists.

Valverde has represented La Celeste on 56 occasions, netting six goals and providing a couple of assists. He has captained the side in the recent matches held since 2023.

Also read: Uruguay announce final squad for Copa America 2024; Luis Suárez, Darwin Núñez included

CAM: Giorgian Arrascaeta

The 30-year-old Flamengo CAM is expected to start for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. He has been a clutch player for his country whenever given a chance. He has participated in 45 games, scoring 10 goals and assisting six times.

Arrascaeta has recently featured in two World Cup qualifiers and an international friendly. He has the ability to create perfect goal-scoring chances for Nunez and Suarez.

ST: Darwin Nunez

Nunez is surely the first-choice forward for Uruguay at this moment. The young, prolific, and lethal forward had a wonderful EPL 2023-24 season with Liverpool, netting 11 goals and providing eight assists. In the 23 games he has played for Uruguay, Darwin holds a magnificent tally of 11 goals and three assists.

ST: Luis Suarez

One of the best strikers world football has ever seen, Luis Suarez is a legend of Uruguay. The veteran has scored the highest number of goals for his country and holds the record for the second-most number of appearances after Godin.

Suarez is in excellent form in MLS and will surely look to benefit from his recent performances.

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