Uruguay World Cup Tickets

Current Squad & Key Players

Off the back of a positive qualifying campaign, Uruguay head into this summer's World Cup as a team with plenty of confidence. Their squad is largely settled; however, as with any international football team, there is a need for evolution and experimentation, as you can see from their squad below.

November qualifying squad

GK: Santiago Mele (Monterrey)
GK: Cristopher Fiermarin (Deportes Tolima)
DF: José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid)
DF: Matias Vina (Flamengo)
DF: Mathias Olivera (Napoli)
DF: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)
DF: Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)
DF: Sebastián Cáceres (América)
DF: Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras)
DF: Santiago Bueno (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
DF: Jose Luis Rodriguez (Vasco da Gama)
MF: Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur)
MF: Nahitan Nandez (Al-Qadsiah)
MF: Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
MF: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)
MF: Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting CP)
MF: Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga)
MF: Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras)
MF: Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atlético San Luis)
MF: Santiago Homenchenko (Querétaro)
FW: Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos)
FW: Brian Rodriguez (America)
FW: Facundo Torres (Palmeiras)
FW: Federico Vinas (Oviedo)
FW: Rodrigo Aguirre (America)
FW: Luciano Rodriguez (Neom)
FW: Ignacio Laquintana (Red Bull Bragantino)

Key players

José María Giménez – Captain and central defender, brings leadership and aerial strength.

Federico Valverde – Dynamic midfielder and a pressing machine, capable of dictating tempo and scoring from distance.

Darwin Núñez – Powerful forward, known for pace, pressing, and finishing.

Notable omissions from Uruguay's latest squad

Fernando Muslera – Veteran with over 130 caps, nearing the end of his career.

Luis Suárez – Uruguay's all-time top scorer; even in the twilight of his career, his omission is headline-worthy.

Darwin Núñez – Currently Uruguay's most prominent striker, missed out through injury.

Uruguay's World Cup Qualification Journey

Uruguay's path to the 2026 World Cup was hard-fought. In a group alongside the nine other CONMEBOL nations, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Venezuela, Uruguay came fourth, winning just seven out of eighteen matches, drawing seven, and losing four. Fortunately, Uruguay's fourth-place finish meant automatic qualification, when in previous years, before the World Cup's new 48-team format, they would have gone close to missing out. Take a look at Uruguay's qualifying record below.

• Sept 9, 2023 – Uruguay 3–1 Chile
• Sept 12, 2023 – Ecuador 2–1 Uruguay
• Oct 12, 2023 – Colombia 2–2 Uruguay
• Oct 18, 2023 – Uruguay 2–0 Brazil
• Nov 17, 2023 – Argentina 0–2 Uruguay
• Nov 21, 2023 – Uruguay 3–0 Bolivia
• Sept 7, 2024 – Uruguay 0–0 Paraguay
• Sept 10, 2024 – Venezuela 0–0 Uruguay
• Oct 12, 2024 – Perú 1–0 Uruguay
• Oct 16, 2024 – Uruguay 0–0 Ecuador
• Nov 16, 2024 – Uruguay 3–2 Colombia
• Nov 20, 2024 – Brazil 1–1 Uruguay
• Mar 21, 2025 – Uruguay 0–1 Argentina
• Mar 25, 2025 – Bolivia 0–0 Uruguay
• Jun 6, 2025 – Paraguay 2–0 Uruguay
• Jun 11, 2025 – Uruguay 2–0 Venezuela
• Sept 5, 2025 – Uruguay 3–0 Peru
• Sept 10, 2025 – Chile 0–0 Uruguay

Uruguay's Group Assignment & Opponents

Uruguay's campaign begins on Monday, 15 June 2026, against Saudi Arabia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, USA. This fixture will see them face one of Asia's most consistent sides, known for their disciplined organisation and quick transitions. Their second match is scheduled for Sunday, 21 June 2026, also at Hard Rock Stadium, against Cape Verde, a team making their World Cup debut in the summer, meaning they will likely bring high levels of intensity. Uruguay's final group fixture is on Saturday, 27 June 2026, against Spain at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. This will be the most anticipated match in the group, a heavyweight contest that could prove decisive in determining who finishes where and progresses to the next stage.

This means Uruguay are in a group with a mix of skills, with opponents from Asia, Africa, and Europe, each offering contrasting styles of football. Saudi Arabia bring structure and resilience, Cape Verde add unpredictability, while Spain will bring elite technical quality and tournament experience. Uruguay will head into their group with belief, as their blend of youth and experience should give them confidence as they aim to progress deep into the tournament.

Uruguay's World Cup 2026 Fixtures

Uruguay face a tough start to their World Cup campaign with fixtures against three experienced sides; however, they will back themselves to progress from Group H.

• June 15, 2026 – Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA)
• June 21, 2026 – Uruguay v Cape Verde (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, USA)
• June 27, 2026 – Uruguay v Spain (Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico)

Uruguay's Tactical Approach & Playing Style

Marcelo Bielsa has reshaped the Uruguay side into a team that presses aggressively from the front, disrupting their opponents high up the pitch to force errors in dangerous areas. The defensive line sits high, compressing the space and relying heavily on the anticipation and athleticism of centre-backs like Ronald Araújo and José María Giménez to cover transitions. This high-risk, high-reward style reflects Bielsa's philosophy of controlling matches through energy and positioning throughout his managerial career.

In possession, Uruguay favour quick ball progression. Midfielders Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte provide the energy and defensive cover, with Valverde driving forward through the opposition and Ugarte anchoring the midfield in the six position. Giorgian De Arrascaeta adds creativity between the lines, while wide players like Facundo Pellistri stretch the pitch using his pace. Darwin Núñez acts as the focal point and spearheads the attack with intense pressing and direct running behind defences.

This blend of youthful energy and tactical structure marks a departure from Uruguay's traditional reliance on defensive resilience and counterattacks. Bielsa's Uruguay are proactive, physically demanding, and tactically fluid, aiming to overwhelm opponents with relentless pressing and rapid attacking transitions while still retaining the nation's trademark fighting spirit.

Host Cities & Venues Where Uruguay Plays

Uruguay kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign at Hard Rock Stadium, which will be referred to as Miami Stadium during the tournament. Situated in Miami Gardens, Florida and known for its distinctive canopy, it is one of the United States' most modern and versatile venues. Home to the Miami Dolphins, it has also hosted Super Bowls, college football championships and major international fixtures, making it the perfect host for Uruguay's opening games. Since opening in 1987, it has undergone extensive renovations, transforming into a world-class stadium that blends its deep-rooted history with cutting-edge facilities. Uruguay's first two matches, against Saudi Arabia on 15 June and Cape Verde on 21 June, will both take place here, giving supporters the chance to experience the stadium's unique atmosphere twice during the group stage.

Their final group fixture will be played at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 27 June against Spain. Opened in 2010, Estadio Akron is celebrated for its sleek design, bowl-like acoustics and passionate crowds. Although younger than Mexico's iconic Estadio Azteca, it has quickly established itself as a premier venue for domestic and international football. Hosting World Cup matches for the first time, it offers Uruguay the perfect stage for a decisive match.

World Cup 2026 Fanzones for Uruguay Supporters

The World Cup Fan Festival is the go-to destination for fans without a stadium ticket to watch World Cup games. Located across the host cities, fans can watch live match screenings, eat local food and see some top-tier entertainment, all while soaking in the tournament atmosphere. Below is a list of the fan zones already announced across the host cities and the ones that are suspected to play a part:

Uruguay's Tournament Predictions & Chances

Although they may not be among the outright favourites, Uruguay certainly have the talent and experience to mount a serious challenge at this summer's World Cup. While sides like England, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and France dominate the headlines, Uruguay could thrive under the underdog label, easing the weight of expectation and effectively seeing this tournament as a free run at the favourites.

Since their last triumph in 1950, Uruguay have consistently punched above their weight, and their qualifying campaign for 2026 showcased that trademark stubbornness. During qualifying, they showed great resolve to grind out results in an unforgiving CONMEBOL group to secure their place at the World Cup, and they will aim to continue this form as they head into the tournament this summer. With experienced leaders and a new generation of talent, Uruguay will not be tipped to lift the trophy, but they will arrive as a side no favourite will relish facing.

Uruguay's World Cup History & Legacy

Uruguay were the hosts and winners of the very first World Cup tournament in 1930, lifting the trophy in Montevideo and setting the tone for what the competition would become. Twenty years later, they shocked the footballing world again with the "Maracanazo" in 1950, beating Brazil in Rio in front of nearly 200,000 stunned fans. Those two triumphs gave Uruguay their stars, and they remain a source of immense pride.

Since then, Uruguay haven't added another title, but they've never faded from the conversation. They've qualified regularly, often punching above their weight against bigger nations. Their run to the semi-finals in 2010, led by Diego Forlán, reminded everyone of their ability to mix it with the big boys. More recently, the strike partnership of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani carried them deep into tournaments, including a quarter-final finish in 2018.

What makes Uruguay special is the fact that they are a small nation with a huge passion for football, and that shows on the pitch. They play with passion, discipline, and a belief that many nations of their size do not. Even when they're not favourites, Uruguay arrive at every World Cup as a team nobody wants to face.

Uruguay's Squad Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• Midfield energy: Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte provide creativity, pressing, and defensive cover. Their mix of grit and composure is important to Uruguay's chances of success.
• Experienced leaders: Veterans like José María Giménez and Rodrigo Bentancur add tournament know-how, ensuring balance between youth and experience.
• Bielsa's intensity: Marcelo Bielsa's high-pressing style suits Uruguay's athletic squad, making them difficult to play against and capable of unsettling favourites.

Weaknesses

• Goalkeeping uncertainty: Uruguay lack a standout, world-class goalkeeper. Current options are solid but untested at the very top.
• Transition from legends: With Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani no longer central, Uruguay must prove they can score consistently without their iconic forwards.
• Reliance on emerging players: Many of Uruguay's key talents are still early in their careers, which could show under knockout-stage pressure.

How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets for Uruguay

The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so tickets are in high demand and notoriously tricky to get your hands on. In fact, our customer service team gets a lot of fans who ask: How can I book World Cup tickets for a Uruguay game? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.

1. Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
2. Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
3. Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
4. Click on the green 'Buy' button.
5. Complete the order form using your personal details.
6. Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
7. Click 'Make Payment'.
8. The tickets are now yours!

Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!