Uruguay have won a joint-record 15 Copa America titles, but are without this particular trophy since 2011. However, the inaugural world champions will arrive at the 2024 Copa America in their best form in recent years.
With Luis Suarez and Darwin Núñez providing a heady blend of experience and vigour, Uruguay are amongst the three main contenders to lift the Copa America. Bookmakers have Uruguay as third-favourites.
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Uruguay – key facts
Year founded: 1902
Nickname: La Celeste
Current FIFA ranking: 15
A recent friendly defeat to Ivory Coast saw Uruguay slip down the rankings a little, but stunning wins over Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying have maintained their place in the top-15.
Highest FIFA ranking: 2
The year of 2012 saw Uruguay’s highest ever FIFA ranking, on the back of a fourth-place finish at the 2010 World Cup prior to their 2011 Copa America triumph.
Year of Copa America debut: 1916
Best Copa America performance: Winners (15 times)
Player to watch: Darwin Núñez
Full Uruguay Copa America squad
Marcelo Bielsa has named a diverse Uruguay squad, with a mix of players plying their trades in Europe, South and North America, seasoned internationals and up-and-comers.
Goalkeepers:
- Santiago Mele
- Franco Israel
- Sergio Rochet
Defenders:
- Matías Viña
- Ronald Araújo
- Mathías Olivera
- Guillermo Varela
- Sebastián Cáceres
- Lucas Olaza
- Nicolás Marichal
- Jose Maria Gimenez
Midfielders:
- Rodrigo Bentancur
- Federico Valverde
- Nahitan Nández
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta
- Nicolás de la Cruz
- Manuel Ugarte
- Emiliano Martínez
- Maximiliano Araújo
Attackers:
- Luis Suárez
- Brian Rodríguez
- Darwin Núñez
- Facundo Pellistri
- Agustín Canobbio
- Cristian Olivera
- Brian Ocampo
Surprise inclusions in Uruguay Copa America squad
Luis Suárez
During Marcelo Bielsa’s radical overhaul of Uruguay, the famously eccentric Argentine has sidelined Uruguay's record scorer, Luis Suárez.
Yet, despite playing just 17 minutes in World Cup qualifying, Suarez has still made the Uruguay squad, likely for his experience and impact off the bench.
Emiliano Martínez
Though he will likely be overshadowed by another Emi Martinez at this tournament, Bielsa’s decision to call up 24-year-old Midtjylland midfielder Emiliano Martínez is a bold one.
The powerful midfielder has just two caps to his name, and comes in place of more experienced options like Lucas Torreira and Matias Vecino.
In-form players for Uruguay
Nicolás de la Cruz
Versatile midfielder Nicolás de la Cruz has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of the Bielsa revolution.
The Flamengo midfielder has three goals and three assists in World Cup qualifying to date, including direct contributions against both of Uruguay's fellow Copa America frontrunners Brazil and Argentina.
Darwin Núñez
After a quiet end to the season, Liverpool’s number nine has much to prove. But despite losing his starting spot in the outgoing Jurgen Klopp's XI as a consequence, Darwin Núñez has been in fine form for Uruguay, placing him well to impress new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
In 2026 World Cup qualifying, the striker has scored five and assisted two across six appearances, and leads the scoring charts at present. The 24-year-old also netted a hat-trick in La Celeste’s final warm-up game against Mexico.
Uruguay Predicted Copa America XI
Marcelo Bielsa has generally favoured a 4-3-3 formation since taking over last year.
Between the posts, we expect Sergio Rochet to continue as Bielsa’s number one. Ahead of him will be one of the most fearsome centre-back partnerships at the tournament in Ronald Araújo and Jose Maria Gimenez. Energetic Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nández will invert from right-back, and Mathías Olivera will provide overlaps from the left.
Bielsa has largely settled on a well-balanced midfield three of Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolás de la Cruz.
Darwin Núñez is nailed-on to start as his nation’s central striker. Out wide, Manchester United’s forgotten man Facundo Pellistri will provide width and directness on the right, with Maximiliano Araújo cutting in to create.
Now, here’s how we anticipate El Loco will line Uruguay up in their Group C fixtures…
Uruguay vs Panama
(4-3-3) Rochet; Nández, Araújo, Gimenez, Olivera; Valverde, Bentancur, de la Cruz; Pellistri, Núñez, Araujo
We expect the front-footed Bielsa to come out all guns blazing against Panama in their opener.
The Central American side will look to sit deep and frustrate La Celeste, meaning that Rodrigo Bentancur’s creativity may trump Ugarte’s steel in midfield.
Uruguay vs Bolivia
(4-3-3) Rochet; Nández, Araújo, Gimenez, Viña; Valverde, Ugarte, de Arrascaeta; Pellistri, Núñez, Olivera
Uruguay blew Bolivia away 3-0 in World Cup qualifying last year, and there is a good chance they will do the same here.
Bielsa’s football can be very high-impact, so we expect Viña, de Arrascaeta and Olivera to be rotated in for this one.
Uruguay vs USA
(4-3-3) Rochet; Nández, Araújo, Gimenez, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte, de la Cruz; Pellistri, Núñez, Araujo
Without doubt, the USA are Uruguay’s toughest opponent, and this game will likely decide who finishes atop Group C.
With a devastating left side of a rejuvenated Cristian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson, the Americans are not be underestimated, and recently played out a 1-1 draw with Brazil.
Expect Uruguay to name their strongest side possible, perhaps with a match-winning cameo for Luis Suarez.
