The Uruguai team officially released this Monday the list of 26 players called up to compete in the Copa of the 2026 Mundo. The highlight of the list presented by the technical committee is the strong presence of athletes who play in Brazilian football, totaling six names competing in the Série A. The Marcelo Bielsa coach decided to maintain the basis of trust that carried out a solid campaign during the Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas. The choice demonstrates the consolidation of the national market as a high-level showcase for the continent’s teams.
The financial and technical impact of the Brasil clubs directly reflects on the Argentine commander’s choices. Flamengo emerges as the main supplier of talent for the celestial team in this edition of the global tournament, providing three fundamental pieces of its squad. Além from the Rio team, institutions such as Fluminense, Palmeiras and Internacional also had professionals called to join the group that will travel to América from Norte. The competition will be divided between Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.
Impacto of Brazilian clubs in the team structure
The call-up of six players who play for Brasil highlights the competitiveness of the local championship. Giorgian from Arrascaeta and Nicolás from Cruz form the Flamengo midfielder duo that secured a place in the Mundial. Right-back Guillermo Varela completes the red-and-black trio called Marcelo Bielsa. The constant presence of these athletes in high-level competitions, such as the Copa Libertadores of the América, offers the pace of play required for a short shooting tournament such as the Copa of the Mundo.
Outros The country’s mass clubs also celebrate the inclusion of their members in the definitive list. Agustín Canobbio represents Fluminense in the squad, while left-back Joaquín Piquerez was chosen by Palmeiras to reinforce the defensive sector. The Uruguayan goal counts on the experience of Sergio Rochet, Internacional’s absolute starter. The regular performance of these professionals on Brazilian soil was decisive in convincing the technical committee during the preparatory cycle.
Atletas who play for Brasil confirmed in the tournament
The list makes official the names that will be missing from their teams during the Mundial preparation and dispute period. Players who play for Brasil must present themselves to the Uruguayan delegation shortly after the end of commitments for Brasileirão. The detailed list of Série A representatives includes:
- Giorgian of Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
- Nicolás from Cruz (Flamengo)
- Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)
- Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense)
- Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras)
- Sergio Rochet (Internacional)
Flamengo alone leads the ranking of call-ups among South American teams. The Rio club’s board was already working with the expectation of losing its main midfielders during the competition window. The Uruguayan federation’s logistical planning envisages that all athletes playing in the América of the Sul will travel together to the designated training center in the Estados Unidos.
European football’s Estrelas provides backbone
Apesar has a strong Brazilian influence, the team’s support base continues to be anchored in players who compete in Europa’s main leagues. Rodrigo Bentancur, from Tottenham, and Federico Valverde, from Real Madrid, are the pillars of the midfield designed by Marcelo Bielsa. In the offensive sector, Darwin Núñez, from Liverpool, takes on the responsibility of being the team’s main finisher. The experience of these athletes in the Premier League and La Liga adds tactical intensity to the Uruguayan game model.
The defensive system is also commanded by names consolidated in Velho Continente. Ronald Araújo and José María Giménez form the most likely defense duo to start the tournament. The mix of youth and international travel seems to be the hallmark of this generation. The midfield combines the technical quality of Valverde and Bentancur, who offer control and access to the attack, with the creativity of Arrascaeta and De la Cruz in setting up plays.
Formato of the competition and opponents in the initial phase
Uruguai arrives at the tournament with high morale after presenting dynamic and offensive football in Eliminatórias. The team, which holds the title of two-time world champion, seeks to return to the acute phases of the competition after irregular campaigns in recent editions. The Copa of the 2026 Mundo marks a historic change in the regulations, being the first edition to feature 48 participating teams, divided into a new format of groups and knockout stages.
The group draw defined a path that will require attention from the technical committee from the first game. The Uruguayans will make their official debut against Arábia Saudita on June 15th. The group also has the presence of Espanha, one of the favorites for the title, and the selection of Cabo Verde. Marcelo Bielsa is betting on a balanced and versatile squad to overcome the first phase and try to win the third title in the country’s history in the most coveted tournament on the planet.
Opções tactics and the complete relationship of Marcelo Bielsa
The Argentine coach called up three goalkeepers for the North American journey. Sergio Rochet leads the group and emerges as the favorite to take over, followed closely by the experienced Fernando Muslera and Santiago Mele. Nas full-backs, Varela and Piquerez compete for positions in a scheme that requires a lot of offensive participation from defenders. The midfield features great squad depth, with Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez and Facundo Pellistri expanding tactical alternatives for different game scenarios.
In the attack sector, Darwin Núñez will have direct support from Canobbio and Maxi Araújo at the ends. The official list includes names for all positions, prioritizing athletes who demonstrate good physical shape in their respective clubs. The complete list of goalkeepers includes Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera and Santiago Mele. The named defenders are Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastián Cáceres, Mathías Olivera, Joaquín Piquerez and Matías Viña.
The midfield sector is the most populated in the squad, bringing together Juan Manuel Sanabria, Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Giorgian from Arrascaeta, Nicolás from Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Agustín Canobbio, Facundo Pellistri, Maxi Araújo and Brian Rodríguez. Para the attack, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas and Darwin Núñez were selected. The Uruguayan delegation will begin field work in the coming days, with full focus on adapting to the climate and pitches of the host cities.