Does Guillermo Varela play today? Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Guillermo Varela is expected to start on the right flank for Uruguay in their debut against Saudi Arabia, this Monday, June 15, at 7pm (Brasília time), at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens. The 33-year-old Flamengo defender arrives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup duel as a fundamental piece for Celeste’s defensive solidity, especially with absences in the sector.
Varela, called up by Marcelo Bielsa, has experience in major competitions and offers a balance between marking and supporting the attack. His presence helps to compensate for absences such as Ronald Araújo, allowing the Uruguayan defense to maintain the standard required by the Argentine coach even in a high-intensity confrontation.
The right-back, born in Montevideo, is going through a good phase at Flamengo and is seen as a reliable option to contain the Saudi speed, especially Salem Al-Dawsari’s attacks. His regularity in the Brazilian national team and club reinforces Celeste’s right side.
Varela helps protect the Uruguayan defense with absences
Recent injuries, like that of Araújo, increase the importance of Guillermo Varela in the defensive structure. Bielsa usually demands high tactical commitment from the full-backs, with individual marking and quick transitions. Varela, with more than 20 recent call-ups, brings experience and positioning to help Sebastián Cáceres and the midfielders in midfield.
Even at 33 years old, the player maintains a good physical level and can be decisive in aerial balls and crosses, contributing to the attack led by Darwin Núñez. A solid debut would help Uruguay gain points in Group H.
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The Saudis, 61st in the FIFA rankings, are looking to repeat their 2022 feat against Argentina. Led by Georgios Donis, they rely on Al-Dawsari’s speed and Firas Al-Buraikan’s eye for goal. The Asian team will need to overcome Varela and company’s marking to create real chances.
The stadium in Miami should have a strong presence of Uruguayan fans, which favors Celeste in the search for victory.
Where to watch live
The broadcast will be from SBT, with streaming options on CazéTV (YouTube), Globoplay, SporTV and platforms such as Betano and NSports.
Probable lineups
Saudi Arabia(4-4-2): Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Moteb Al-Harbi; Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Mohamed Kanno, Musab Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari; Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri. Coach: Georgios Donis.
Uruguay(4-4-2 or 4-3-3): Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Sebastián Cáceres, Mathías Olivera, Matías Viña; Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Maximiliano Araújo; Darwin Núñez, Federico Viñas. Coach: Marcelo Bielsa.
