Marcelo Bielsa has made the biggest selection decision of Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup campaign by leaving out veteran striker Luis Suarez from his final 26-man squad. The former Barcelona and Liverpool forward, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, was one of the notable omissions when Bielsa unveiled his squad on Sunday.

While Suarez missed out on a place in the tournament, midfield star Federico Valverde and striker Darwin Nunez are leading a young team that reflects Bielsa’s long-term vision for the national team.

39-year-old Suarez had not completely closed the chapter of his international career Despite announcing his retirement from Uruguayan duty. The experienced forward recently suggested that he would be open to a comeback if the national team requires his services during the World Cup.

However, Bielsa opted to recall the striker, who has been absent from the international setup for almost 20 months. The decision comes months after Suarez publicly criticized the Argentina coach’s management style, which he claimed had created divisions within the dressing room.

Suárez said earlier this year, “I retired from the national team to make room for other players, and because I felt the moment had come when I could no longer be useful to the team. But if they need me, I will never refuse the national team. As long as I’m playing, as long as I’m active, that’s impossible.”

Relations between player and coach appeared strained after Suárez accused Bielsa of creating a difficult atmosphere within the team. Although the former striker later said he had apologized for those comments, it was not enough to convince Bielsa to include him in his World Cup plans.

Suarez’s omission was not the only major talking point From the squad announcement. Nahitan Nandez, another experienced international who featured regularly during the qualification campaign, was also ruled out as Bielsa continued his transition towards a young core.

Bielsa backs youth for World Cup

The team selection underlines Bielsa’s commitment to building a team around players rather than relying on experienced veterans. Uruguay’s defensive foundation will be led by Ronald Araújo, José María Jiménez and Mathias Oliveira, who will provide a mix of leadership and physicality at the back.

Bielsa has in midfield Put their trust in a dynamic group featuring Federico ValverdeRodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolás de la Cruz. This quartet epitomizes the high-intensity pressing style and tireless work rate that has become the hallmark of Bielsa’s teams throughout his managerial career.

The attack will be led by Darwin Núñez, who remains the primary goal-scoring threat for Uruguay despite a difficult club season. The striker has not featured for Al-Hilal since February after the Saudi Pro League side shuffled their foreign player registration following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

Despite concerns over his lack of recent game time, Bielsa remains confident in Núñez’s ability to lead on football’s biggest stage.

Uruguay have been drawn in Group H and will open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15. They will then face Cape Verde in what is expected to be their toughest test before concluding the group stage against Spain.

With Suarez absent and a new generation taking center stage, Bielsa’s Uruguay are heading into the tournament hoping their youthful energy can compensate for the loss of one of the country’s greatest footballers.

Uruguay squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, Jose Maria Jimenez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Casares, Mathias Oliveira, Joaquin Piquerrez, Matias Viana.

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustín Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgio de Arrascaeta, Nicolás de la Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araújo, Brian Rodriguez

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Darwin Nunez

– ends