Uruguay Call-up: Maxi Araújo Joins, Muslera Returns
Sporting CP wing-back Maxi Araújo has earned a spot in Uruguay’s latest squad as head coach Marcelo Bielsa fine-tunes his team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The “Celeste” are set to face high-profile international tests against England and Algeria in the upcoming international break.
Key Selections and Notable Absences
While Araújo celebrates his inclusion, there was disappointment for Braga midfielder Rodrigo Salazar. Despite being a regular fixture in recent call-ups, Salazar was left out of Bielsa’s tactical plans for this window.
The biggest story of the squad announcement, however, is the return of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The 2011 Copa América winner and national icon returns to the fold for the first time since June 2022, providing a massive boost in experience to the locker room as the tournament in North America looms.
Final Preparations for the World Cup
Uruguay faces a rigorous travel schedule for these friendlies. They will first travel to London to take on England on March 27, before heading to Turin, Italy, to face Algeria four days later on March 31.
These matches serve as vital preparation for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Uruguay has been drawn into Group H, where they will compete against Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia for a place in the knockout stages.
Image: Pexels – Emma Bauso
