Luis Suárez left the door open for one final Uruguay World Cup name, however Marcelo Bielsa has successfully closed it by leaving him out of the 2026 squad.
This is not only one other veteran lacking a match. This is Uruguay shifting on from its file scorer on the game’s greatest stage.
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The determination feels chilly as a result of Suárez had made himself accessible once more. It additionally feels logical as a result of Uruguay’s squad now belongs to a distinct era.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Luis Suárez World Cup omission confirms Uruguay shift
Yahoo Sports reported that Uruguay named its World Cup squad with out Suárez, regardless of his latest willingness to reverse worldwide retirement if wanted.
Bielsa didn’t provide an extended public rationalization for the omission within the squad announcement. The message got here by the record itself, with Darwin Núñez, Rodrigo Aguirre and Federico Viñas chosen because the ahead choices.
Suárez retired from worldwide soccer in September 2024 as Uruguay’s all-time main scorer. He had not performed for the nationwide staff in roughly 20 months, however mentioned this month that he would by no means refuse if Uruguay wanted him.
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That made the final name really feel like an actual ending. Suárez has performed in 4 World Cups, however the fifth now appears to be like gone.
Marcelo Bielsa backs youthful Uruguay World Cup forwards
The soccer logic is evident, even when the emotion is heavy. Suárez is 39, and Bielsa has constructed Uruguay round vitality, urgent and youthful legs.
Núñez made the squad regardless of restricted membership minutes in Saudi Arabia, the place Al-Hilal’s foreign-player registration reshuffle affected his position after Karim Benzema arrived. That choice says Bielsa nonetheless values his motion, tempo and bodily menace.
Uruguay additionally included Premier League names resembling Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur and Santiago Bueno. Federico Valverde, Ronald Araújo and José María Giménez give the squad an skilled core with out turning again to Suárez.
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Suárez nonetheless had type on his facet. He has been productive for Inter Miami, scoring six MLS objectives in 11 league appearances this season.
Uruguay open Group H towards Saudi Arabia on June 15, then face Cape Verde and Spain. Bielsa clearly desires the main focus on the gamers in camp, not on a farewell tour.
That is the painful half. Suárez did sufficient in his profession to deserve each tribute, however Uruguay’s World Cup future is now shifting with out him.