Uruguay national football team

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The Uruguay national football team (Template:Langx), nicknamed La Celeste ("The Sky Blue") and Los Charrúas ("The Charrúas"), have represented Uruguay in international men's football since their first international match in 1902 and is administered by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol (Template:Langx), the governing body of football in Uruguay, which is a founding member of CONMEBOL since 1916 and a member of FIFA since 1923. It was also a member of PFC, which was the attempt at a unified confederation of the Americas from 1946 to 1961. Uruguay's home stadium is the Estadio Centenario, and they have been coached by Marcelo Bielsa since 2023.

Considered one of the most successful national teams in international competitions and by FIFA as "football's first global powerhouse,"<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Uruguay has won four world FIFA–organized championships, two Olympic titles and two FIFA World Cups.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Their first two senior world titles came at the Olympic tournaments of Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928,<ref name=espn24>Polémica olímpica y mundial: ¿por qué Uruguay tiene cuatro estrellas en su camiseta? on ESPN.com.ar, 19 Jul 2024</ref> two events that were directly organized by FIFA as open tournaments that included professionals.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the former, Uruguay beat Switzerland 3–0 in the final, whereas in the latter, Uruguay defeated Argentina 2–1.<ref>Plata en el fútbol on El Gráfico</ref> They then secured a third consecutive title at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, where they beat Argentina 4–2 in the decisive match.<ref>La primera final de la Copa del Mundo, El Gráfico, 30 Jul 2022</ref> Uruguay's fourth title came in 1950 after beating hosts Brazil in the final match 2–1, a match that still holds the record for the highest official attendance for a football match ever (173,850 people at the gate). On account of these achievements, the Uruguayan national team displays four five-pointed stars approved by FIFA on its football crest. Uruguay were unbeaten in world championship matches from the 1924 Olympics until their semi-final loss in the 1954 World Cup marking a 30-year win streak and winning four consecutive world titles in tournaments they participated in, having chosen to opt out of the 1934 and 1938 World Cups. In regional competitions, Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times, having also won the inaugural edition in 1916, second only to Argentina for the most titles in the tournament's history, with their most recent title in 2011. As of 2025, based on international senior official titles, Uruguay have won the second most major trophies, behind Argentina.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Uruguay has consistently performed well in global football rankings throughout their history, achieving their highest FIFA World Ranking of 2nd place in June 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the World Football Elo Ratings, they have also reached the top spot on multiple occasions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Uruguay has also developed many rivalries through the years, with the most notable ones being with neighboring countries Argentina, known as the Clásico del Río de la Plata based on their geographical location and cultural similarities, and Brazil, known as the Clásico del Río Negro in reference to the 1950 FIFA World Cup final known to football fans as the Maracanazo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Additionally, FIFA officially recognizes Uruguay as Champions of World Champions, following their victory in the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup (also known as the 1980 Mundialito). This unique designation makes Uruguay the only national team in football history to be formally acknowledged by FIFA with that title.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

History

Beginnings (1900–1916)

Historically, football has been a fundamental element in the consolidation of Uruguayan nationality and in projecting Uruguay’s image internationally at the beginning of the 20th century.

Uruguay is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won nineteen official competitions recognized by FIFA, a world record at senior national team level. These include two editions of the FIFA World Cup, two editions of the Olympic Games when they were contested by senior national teams and organized by FIFA (at that time, the only global-level football competition), and fifteen editions of the Copa América.

Uruguay was the first national team, along with Argentina, to play an international match outside the British Isles, on 16 May 1901 in Montevideo, with Argentina winning 3–2. However, because the sides were combined teams rather than national selections, the match is considered unofficial. In that game, Frank Chevallier Boutell, president of the Argentine Association Football League, served as a linesman.

A precedent suggests there was an even earlier match, though not between the two countries’ national teams, but between representative teams of their capitals, Buenos Aires and Montevideo, on 15 August 1889. Two representative sides from the two capitals faced each other in commemoration of the seventieth anniversary of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Supposedly, the match took place at the so-called New Ground in La Blanqueada and ended with a 3-0 victory for the Buenos Aires team over the Montevideo team.

The first official match between the national teams of Uruguay and Argentina was played on 20 July 1902 at the Albion ground, with Argentina winning 6–0 (to this day the heaviest away win in the derby) . Of Uruguay’s starting eleven, 8 were from Club Nacional de Football . Uruguay’s lineup was: Enrique Sardeson (Albion), Carlos Carve Urioste (Nacional), Germán Arímalo (Nacional), Miguel Nebel (capt.) (Nacional), Alberto Peixoto (Albion), Luis Carbone (Nacional), Bolívar Céspedes (Nacional), Gonzalo Rincón (Nacional), Juan Sardeson (Albion), Ernesto Boutón Reyes (Nacional), and Carlos Céspedes (Nacional). Goalscorers were Bolívar Céspedes and William Poole.

On 13 September 1903, Uruguay won its first match, defeating Argentina in Buenos Aires 3-2 with a team made up entirely of Nacional players.

Their nickname, La Celeste (“the Sky Blue”), dates back to its first international victory in Montevideo on 15 August 1910, when it beat Argentina 3-1 in the first match in which it wore its sky-blue jersey. This kit was adopted as a national emblem in recognition of the triumph shortly before by River Plate Football Club over the powerful Alumni Athletic Club of Buenos Aires, 2-1, using those same colors.

First International Successes (1916–1924)

Uruguay won the first two editions of the South American Championship: the first held in Buenos Aires in 1916 and the second in 1917, in Montevideo.

The Uruguayan national team became the first continental champion, finishing ahead of Argentina in the 1916 Copa América, played in Buenos Aires. The tournament had a round-robin format: a 0–0 draw against Argentina on the final match-day gave the title to La Celeste.

Uruguay also won the following 1917 Copa América, this time as hosts. Once again, the title was decided in the last round against Argentina, and Uruguay prevailed 1-0 to become champions of South America for the second consecutive time.

In the 1919 Copa América held in Brazil, Uruguay again reached the decisive match. After drawing 2-2 against the hosts, both teams finished level on points, forcing a playoff. The playoff was won 1-0 by Brazil, who claimed their first continental title, with Uruguay finishing as runner-up.

In the 1920 Copa América held in Chile, Uruguay once again arrived at the final match on top of the standings, and defeated the hosts 2-1 to claim their third championship. Argentina’s win over Brazil on the same day proved insufficient, leaving the Argentines in second place.

In the tournaments of 1921 (Argentina) and 1922 (Brazil), Uruguay could not secure the title, finishing third in both editions: first behind champions Argentina and then behind hosts Brazil.

The Copa América returned to Uruguay in 1923 and 1924. In the 1923 edition, Uruguay and Argentina were level at the top entering the final round. Uruguay defeated their rivals 2–0 at the Gran Parque Central to take the title. In 1924, a 0-0 draw with Argentina on the last match-day was enough for Uruguay to be crowned champions once again, thanks to having more wins in the tournament.

Golden Era: Olympic Games and the First World Cup (1924–1930)

Uruguay was the first South American country to participate in the Olympic football tournaments. Their debut was at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they defeated Switzerland 3-0 in the final to claim FIFA's first recognized non-amateur world championship. Uruguay returned in 1928, this time alongside Argentina (winners of the 1927 Copa América). Both reached the final, with Uruguay prevailing 2-1 in a replay after drawing the initial match 1-1. The expectation for this final was so high that reportedly over 500,000 tickets were demanded across Europe.

The Uruguayan national team dazzled Europe with its Olympic performances, earning admiration and respect worldwide. These triumphs elevated South American football to global prominence at a time when the continent was still largely ignored in international sport. The Olympic tournaments of 1924 and 1928 were the only editions officially recognized by FIFA as world championships. This is why Uruguay is allowed to display four stars on its football crest, despite having won the FIFA World Cup twice (in 1930 and 1950).

In terms of continental success during this period, Uruguay won the 1926 Copa América in Chile. They did not participate in the 1925 Copa América in Argentina (won by the hosts), finished as runners-up behind Argentina in 1927, and placed third in 1929.

Inaugural 1930 World Cup

Uruguay proposed hosting the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, and FIFA granted the country the right to organize it in commemoration of the centenary of the Jura de la Constitución (Uruguayan Constitution), in addition to its world titles at the Olympics. In Europe, this decision was met with disapproval, with arguments that the tournament should be held there, particularly in England, the birthplace of football and its subsequent development. There were also complaints about the long journey and high costs involved in traveling to South America.

However, despite the Uruguayan government offering to cover all expenses, many European nations still declined to participate. FIFA ignored these complaints, reasoning that the continent was still reeling from World War I, while Uruguay enjoyed peace and economic stability. Thus, the first World Cup was held in Uruguay.

The opening matches of the tournament were France vs. Mexico and United States vs. Belgium, both played on July 13 at 15:00. In the France–Mexico game, Lucien Laurent scored after 19 minutes, recording the first goal in World Cup history.

Uruguay, considered the strongest team due to its Olympic titles in 1924 and 1928, made its debut on July 18 at the new Estadio Centenario before about 50,000 spectators against Peru. In a lackluster performance, Uruguay won 1-0 with a goal from Héctor Castro, drawing some criticism from the press.

In its next match on July 21, Uruguay defeated Romania 4-0, with goals from Pablo Dorado, Héctor Scarone, Pedro Cea, and Santos Iriarte, advancing to the semi-finals.

There, the Celeste faced Yugoslavia (a nation that no longer exists) and won convincingly 6-1, with a hat-trick from Cea, a brace from Santos Anselmo, and one from Iriarte, securing their place in the final.

In the decisive match, played on July 30 before 70,000 spectators, Uruguay once again met their great rivals, Argentina, who were also considered favourites. Leading up to the match, tensions were high, with reports that Uruguayans disrupted Argentina’s training sessions throughout the tournament.

In the final itself, Dorado gave Uruguay the lead after 12 minutes, but Argentina responded with goals from Carlos Peucelle (20’) and Guillermo Stábile (37’), taking a 2-1 advantage into halftime. In the second half, Uruguay came out determined: Cea equalized at 57’, Iriarte put them ahead at 68’, and Castro sealed the 4-2 victory at 89’.

With that result, Uruguay became the first ever World Cup champion in history, and claimed their third consecutive title.

1940s–1960s

The team that beat Brazil in the decisive match to win the 1950 FIFA World Cup

In the 1940s, Uruguay achieved early success in a decade largely dominated by Argentina by winning their eighth South American championship in 1942. As the World Cup was not being played, this championship became the priority.

In 1950, Uruguay re-entered the World Cup for the first time since 1930. This time, La Celeste would enter a final-group where they would draw Spain 2–2 and beat Sweden 3–2 en route to the final match against hosts Brazil. On 16 July 1950, Uruguay claimed their second FIFA World Cup and fourth senior world title when they beat Brazil 2–1 from behind in an iconic match known as the Maracanazo in front of a record crowd of 173,850. Historical estimates indicate that the crowd reached well over 200,000.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This feat became an integral part of Uruguay's football identity and a source of inspiration for upcoming footballers with each passing generation.

In the 1954 World Cup, Uruguay reached the semi-finals for the fourth time after defeating Czechoslovakia, Scotland and England. The semi-final against Hungary is considered one of the best matches in World Cup history, as La Celeste dramatically equalised 2–2 late after trailing 2–0 at halftime. Uruguay would eventually lose 4–2 in extra-time in what was their first-ever loss at the global stage, a thirty year record that started in January 1925.Template:CN

Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify to the World Cup for the first time in the 1958 CONMEBOL qualifiers after losing 5–0 to Paraguay in Asunción. From there, Uruguay maintained a competitive generation through the 1960s and into the early 1970s with players from Nacional and Peñarol, who had won several continental and club world titles during that time. In 1962, Uruguay had a relatively poor World Cup, being eliminated in the group stage after a dramatic last match against the Soviet Union. Four years later, Uruguay reached the last eight after drawing hosts England beating France in the group stage. A controversial quarter-final loss against West Germany marred what had been seen as a positive campaign. La Celeste would end the decade winning their 11th South American championship in 1967 by beating Argentina 1–0 in Montevideo.

1970s–1980s

In 1970, Uruguay advanced to their fourth World Cup semi-final in Mexico, losing to eventual winners Brazil. They would eventually be eliminated in the group stage at the 1974 World Cup, and failed to qualify for Argentina 1978.

Rodolfo Rodríguez raises the Mundialito trophy won in January 1981

Uruguayan football would then see a resurgence as the U-20 team won four consecutive South American titles from 1975 to 1981, as well as reaching the U-20 World Cup semi-final in 1979. The success of this young generation would bear fruit in the 1980s, which began with Uruguay winning the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup, a tournament that pitted past World Cup winners together in celebration of the tournament's 50th anniversary. Afterwards, La Celeste went on to win the 1983 and 1987 Copas America back-to-back, before losing 1–0 to hosts Brazil in 1989's decisive title match. After failing to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, in 1986, Uruguay were eliminated in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Argentina after a group stage that included West Germany, Denmark and Scotland.

1990s–2000s

In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Uruguay were eliminated in the round of 16 against the hosts 2–0 in Rome. Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify for 1994 after losing 2–0 to eventual winners Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium. La Celeste would then defeated the world champions to win the 1995 Copa América in Montevideo. Later, Uruguay were eliminated from the 1998 World Cup as they finished in seventh place the first time qualifying was a round-robin tournament.

For the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Uruguay managed to advance to a final playoff round against Australia to reach the finals. La Celeste would win the decisive match 3–0 in Montevideo to qualify to their first World Cup since 1990. The campaign itself proved a frustrating affair, as Uruguay were narrowly eliminated in the last group match against Senegal after drawing them 3–3, after being down 3–0 at half-time.

The 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign saw another international playoff against Australia. This time, La Celeste were eliminated on penalties in Sydney. This loss led to a profound paradigm shift with the hiring of Oscar Tabarez as manager. From there, Uruguay would reach the semi-finals of the 2007 Copa América, and successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

2010s–2022

In 2010, a new generation of footballers, led by Luis Suárez, Diego Forlán and Edinson Cavani, formed a team that finished fourth at the World Cup. Uruguay opened the tournament with a goalless draw against France, followed by wins against South Africa (3–0) and Mexico (1–0) respectively, finishing at the top of their group with seven points. In the second round, they played South Korea, defeating them 2–1 with Suárez scoring a brace, as Uruguay sealed a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. Against Ghana, the match finished 1–1, forcing the game into extra-time. Both sides had their chances at extra time but Suárez blocked the ball with his hand in the penalty area, earning himself a red card. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty, forcing the game to go into penalties where Uruguay would win 4–2, sending them into the last four. They played the Netherlands in the semi-finals but were beaten 3–2. In the third-place match, they played Germany, again losing 3–2. This placed Uruguay in fourth place for the tournament, their best result in 40 years. Forlán was awarded Player of the Tournament.

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

A year later, they won the Copa América for the first time in 16 years and broke the record for the most successful team in South America. Luis Suárez ended up as Player of the Tournament.

Uruguay was placed in Group D at the 2014 World Cup alongside Costa Rica, England, and Italy. They were upset by Costa Rica in the opening match, losing 3–1 after taking the lead in the first half. They rebounded with a 2–1 victory over England, in which Suárez scored a brace right after coming back from an injury, and a 1–0 victory over Italy, placing them second in their group and earning a spot in the last 16. During the match against Italy, forward Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on his left shoulder. Two days after the match, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee banned Suárez for nine international matches, the longest such ban in World Cup history, exceeding the eight-match ban handed to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994.<ref name="Ban2014">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Luis Suarez suspended">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Suárez was also banned from taking part in any football-related activity (including entering any stadium) for four months and fined CHF100,000 (approximately £65,700/€82,000/US$119,000).<ref name="Ban2014"/><ref name="Luis Suarez suspended"/><ref name="Suarez suspension FIFA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the round of 16, Uruguay played Colombia but were beaten 2–0, eliminating them from the tournament.

At the 2015 and 2016 Copa América, Uruguay, missing banned striker Luis Suárez, were eliminated in the quarter-finals and group stage respectively.

Uruguay then finished second in their qualifying campaign to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. There, they won their group after three victories, and advanced to the quarter-finals after a 2–1 win over Portugal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, they were eliminated 2–0 in the quarter-finals by the eventual champions France.

At the 2022 World Cup, Uruguay was drawn into Group H with Portugal, Ghana and South Korea. They started the tournament with a 0–0 draw against South Korea, before they fell to a 2–0 defeat to Portugal. Despite a 2–0 victory against Ghana in their final group game, Uruguay was knocked out of the tournament in the group stages for the first time since 2002, on goals scored following South Korea’s shock 2–1 win against Portugal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Team image

Kits and crest

Template:Sister project

Uruguay at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, wearing the light blue shirt they have worn since 1910

Between 1901 and 1910, Uruguay wore a variety of different shirts during its matches. The first shirt worn was Albion F.C.'s kit, in the unofficial debut of the national team against Argentina in 1901.<ref name=mkt>Así ha evolucionado la camiseta de la Selección Uruguaya Template:Webarchive on MKT Registrado, 11 April 2018</ref> It was followed by a variety of shirts, including a solid green one and even a shirt with the colours of the Artigas flag.

On 10 April 1910, now-defunct club River Plate defeated Argentine side Alumni 2–1. That day River Plate wore its alternate jersey, a light blue one due to the home jersey was similar to Alumni's.<ref name=observa/> Ricardo LeBas proposed Uruguay to wear a light blue jersey as a tribute to the victory of River Plate over Alumni. This was approved by president of the Uruguayan Association, Héctor Gómez.<ref name=celeste>La historia de la Celeste Template:Webarchive on Montevideo Wanderers website</ref> The light blue (Celeste) jersey debuted in a Copa Lipton match against Argentina on 15 August 1910.<ref>Origen de la camiseta celeste Template:Webarchive on Montevideo Antiguo</ref>

The red shirt that was used in some previous away strips was first used at the 1935 South American championship, held in Santa Beatriz in Peru, which Uruguay won. It was not worn again (except for a 1962 FIFA World Cup match, against Colombia<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>) until 1991, when it was officially adopted as the away jersey.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Uruguay displays four stars in its emblem. This is unique in world football as two of the stars represent the gold medals received at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, which are the only editions recognised by FIFA as senior world championships.<ref name="Perez">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} ; citing the book 100 Años de Gloria: La Verdadera history del Futbol Uruguayo</ref><ref name="FIFA1924">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2021, after a FIFA employee contacted PUMA about modifying the team's crest, FIFA reconfirmed and approved once again the use of all four stars on the shirt.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:Football kit box Template:Football kit box Template:Football kit box Template:Football kit box Template:Football kit box

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier Period
Template:Flagicon Adidas 1974–1982
Template:Flagicon Le Coq Sportif 1983–1986
Template:Flagicon Puma 1987–1991
Template:Flagicon Ennerre 1992–1998
Template:Flagicon Tenfield 1999–2001
Template:Flagicon L-Sporto 2002–2004
Template:Flagicon Uhlsport 2004–2006
Template:Flagicon Jako 2006–2007
Template:Flagicon Puma 2007–2023
Template:Flagicon MGR Sport 2024
Template:Flagicon Nike<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2024–

Home stadium

Since 1930, Uruguay have played their home games at the Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. The stadium was built as a celebration of the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and had a capacity of 90,000 when first fully opened.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The stadium hosted several matches in the 1930 World Cup, including the final, which was watched by a crowd of 93,000.<ref>FIFA World Cup Origin Template:Webarchive, FIFA Media Release. Retrieved on 16 October 2006.</ref>

Rivalries

Argentina

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} First played in 1902, the "Clasico de Rio de la Plata" with Argentina is the oldest international derby in world football outside of the UK. Both teams have played in historically significant matches, such as the 1928 Olympic football final and the inaugural World Cup final in 1930.

Brazil

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The rivalry with Brazil dates back to the 1916 South American Championship. Both teams have since competed in several Copa America finals and the iconic 1950 FIFA World Cup final match, where Uruguay lifted their second World Cup in front of a world record crowd at the Maracanã. The only other time they met at the World Cup was the 1970 semi-final where Brazil won 3–1 in Guadalajara. Since the 1980s, the two sides met in several title deciders, such as the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup final (won by Uruguay), and the 1983, 1989, 1995 and 1999 Copa América finals. Uruguay would win the 1983 and 1995 editions, while Brazil won in 1989 and 1999. Brazil eliminated Uruguay at the Maracanã from qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. Since the 2000s, they have met mostly in the Copa América, as well as the regularly scheduled World Cup qualifiers.

Results and fixtures

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

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2024

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2025

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2026

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Coaching staff

Current personnel

Template:Updated<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>

Position Name
Head coach Template:Flagicon Marcelo Bielsa
Assistant coaches Template:Flagicon Pablo Quiroga
Template:Flagicon Diego Reyes
Goalkeeping coach Template:Flagicon Enzo Ferrari

Coaching history

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|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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Players

Current squad

The following 28 players were called up for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States on 15 and 18 November 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Caps and goals correct as of 18 November 2025, after the match against United States.

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Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Uruguay squad in the past twelve months. Template:Nat fs r start Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break

Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE = Preliminary squad
  • RET = Retired from the national team
  • SUS = Serving suspension
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Template:Nat fs end

Individual records

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Template:Updated, after the match against Mexico.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Players in bold are still active with Uruguay.

Most appearances

Diego Godín is Uruguay's most capped player with 161 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Diego Godín 161 8 2005–2022
2 Luis Suárez 143 69 2007–2024
3 Edinson Cavani 136 58 2008–2022
4 Fernando Muslera 133 0 2009–2022
5 Maxi Pereira 125 3 2005–2018
6 Martín Cáceres 116 4 2007–2022
7 Diego Forlán 112 36 2002–2014
8 Cristian Rodríguez 110 11 2003–2018
9 José María Giménez 97 8 2013–present
10 Diego Lugano 95 9 2003–2014

Top goalscorers

Luis Suárez is Uruguay's top scorer with 69 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Luis Suárez (list) 69 143 {{#expr:69/143 round 2}} 2007–2024
2 Edinson Cavani 58 136 {{#expr:58/136 round 2}} 2008–2022
3 Diego Forlán 36 112 {{#expr:36/112 round 2}} Template:Nowrap
4 Héctor Scarone 31 51 {{#expr:31/51 round 2}} 1917–1930
5 Ángel Romano 28 69 {{#expr:28/69 round 2}} 1913–1927
6 Óscar Míguez 27 39 {{#expr:27/39 round 2}} 1950–1958
7 Sebastián Abreu 26 70 {{#expr:26/70 round 2}} 1996–2012
8 Pedro Petrone 24 28 {{#expr:24/28 round 2}} 1923–1930
9 Fernando Morena 22 53 {{#expr:22/53 round 2}} 1971–1983
Carlos Aguilera 22 64 {{#expr:22/64 round 2}} 1982–1997

Competitive record

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

FIFA World Cup

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Template:Color box Champions  Template:Color box Runners-up  Template:Color box Third place   Template:Color box Fourth place   Template:Legend-inline Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Squad Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
Template:Flagicon 1930 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 15 3 Squad Qualified as hosts
Template:Flagicon 1934 Refused to participate Qualified as defending champions
Template:Flagicon 1938 Refused to participate
Template:Flagicon 1950 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 15 5 Squad Qualified automatically
Template:Flagicon 1954 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 18 7 Squad Qualified as defending champions
Template:Flagicon 1958 Did not qualify 2nd 4 2 1 1 4 6
Template:Flagicon 1962 Group stage 13th 3 1 0 2 4 6 Squad 1st 2 1 1 0 3 2
Template:Flagicon 1966 Quarter-finals 7th 4 1 2 1 2 5 Squad 1st 4 4 0 0 11 2
Template:Flagicon 1970 Fourth place 4th 6 2 1 3 4 5 Squad 1st 4 3 1 0 5 0
Template:Flagicon 1974 Group stage 13th 3 0 1 2 1 6 Squad 1st 4 2 1 1 6 2
Template:Flagicon 1978 Did not qualify 2nd 4 1 2 1 5 4
Template:Flagicon 1982 2nd 4 1 2 1 5 5
Template:Flagicon 1986 Round of 16 16th 4 0 2 2 2 8 Squad 1st 4 3 0 1 6 4
Template:Flagicon 1990 16th 4 1 1 2 2 5 Squad 1st 4 3 0 1 7 2
Template:Flagicon 1994 Did not qualify 3rd 8 4 2 2 10 7
Template:Flagicon 1998 7th 16 6 3 7 18 21
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2002 Group stage 26th 3 0 2 1 4 5 Squad 5th 20 8 6 6 22 14
Template:Flagicon 2006 Did not qualify 5th 20 7 7 6 24 29
Template:Flagicon 2010 Fourth place 4th 7 3 2 2 11 8 Squad 5th 20 7 7 6 30 21
Template:Flagicon 2014 Round of 16 12th 4 2 0 2 4 6 Squad 5th 18 8 5 5 30 25
Template:Flagicon 2018 Quarter-finals 5th 5 4 0 1 7 3 Squad 2nd 18 9 4 5 32 20
Template:Flagicon 2022 Group stage 20th 3 1 1 1 2 2 Squad 3rd 18 8 4 6 22 22
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2026 Qualified 4th 18 7 7 4 22 12
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2030 Qualified as commemorative match hosts Qualified as commemorative match hosts
Template:Flagicon 2034 To be determined To be determined
Total 2 Titles Template:Tooltip 59 26 13 20 91 74 — — 190 84 53 53 262 198
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Copa América

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South American Championship / Copa América record
Year Round Position Template:Abbr Template:Abbr Template:Abbr* Template:Abbr Template:Abbr Template:Abbr Squad
Template:Flagicon 1916 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 6 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1917 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 9 0 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1919 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 1 1 7 5 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1920 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 9 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1921 Third place 3rd 3 1 0 2 3 4 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1922 Third place 3rd 4 2 1 1 3 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1923 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 6 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1924 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 8 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1925 Withdrew
Template:Flagicon 1926 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 17 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1927 Runners-up 2nd 3 2 0 1 15 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1929 Third place 3rd 3 1 0 2 4 6 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1935 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 6 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1937 Third place 3rd 5 2 0 3 11 14 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1939 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 13 5 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1941 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 10 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1942 Champions 1st 6 6 0 0 21 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1945 Fourth place 4th 6 3 0 3 14 6 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1946 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 11 9 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1947 Third place 3rd 7 5 0 2 21 8 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1949 Sixth place 6th 7 2 1 4 14 20 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1953 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 15 6 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1955 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 12 12 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1956 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 9 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1957 Third place 3rd 6 4 0 2 15 12 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1959 Sixth place 6th 6 2 0 4 15 14 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1959 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 13 1 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1963 Withdrew
Template:Flagicon 1967 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 13 2 Squad
1975 Semifinals 3rd 2 1 0 1 1 3 Squad
1979 Group stage 6th 4 1 2 1 5 5 Squad
1983 Champions 1st 8 5 2 1 12 6 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1987 Champions 1st 2 2 0 0 2 0 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1989 Runners-up 2nd 7 4 0 3 11 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1991 Group stage 5th 4 1 3 0 4 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1993 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 2 1 5 5 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1995 Champions 1st 6 4 2 0 11 4 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1997 Group stage 9th 3 1 0 2 2 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1999 Runners-up 2nd 6 1 2 3 4 9 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2001 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 7 7 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2004 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 12 10 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2007 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 8 9 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2011 Champions 1st 6 3 3 0 9 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2015 Quarter-finals 7th 4 1 1 2 2 3 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2016 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 4 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2019 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 2 0 7 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2021 5th 5 2 2 1 4 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2024 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 11 4 Squad
Total 15 Title 46/48 212 115 40 57 421 226 —

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
Template:Flagicon 1985 Runners-up 2nd 1 0 0 1 0 2
Template:Flagicon 1993 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 2022
Total Runners-up 1/3 1 0 0 1 0 2

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Squad
Template:Flagicon 1992 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 1995
Template:Flagicon 1997 Fourth place 4th 5 3 0 2 8 6 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1999 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2001
Template:Flagicon 2003
Template:Flagicon 2005
Template:Flagicon 2009
Template:Flagicon 2013 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 14 7 Squad
Template:Flagicon 2017 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 2/10 10 5 1 4 22 13 —

Olympic Games

Olympic Games record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Squad
Template:Flagicon 1900 Only club teams participated
Template:Flagicon 1904
Template:Flagicon 1908 Not an IOC member
Template:Flagicon 1912
Template:Flagicon 1920
Template:Flagicon 1924 Gold medal 1st 5 5 0 0 20 2 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1928 Gold medal 1st 5 4 1 0 12 5 Squad
Template:Flagicon 1936 Withdrew<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Template:Flagicon 1948 Did not participate
Template:Flagicon 1952
Template:Flagicon 1956
Template:Flagicon 1960 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 1964
Template:Flagicon 1968
Template:Flagicon 1972
Template:Flagicon 1976 Withdrew<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Template:Flagicon 1980 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 1984
Template:Flagicon 1988
Since 1992 See Uruguay national under-23 football team
Total 2 Gold medals 2/14 10 9 1 0 32 7 —

Pan American Games

Pan American Games record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
Template:Flagicon 1951 Did not participate
Template:Flagicon 1955
Template:Flagicon 1959
Template:Flagicon 1963 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 4 6
Template:Flagicon 1967 Did not participate
Template:Flagicon 1971
Template:Flagicon 1975 Preliminary round 11th 2 0 1 1 1 2
Template:Flagicon 1979 Did not enter
Template:Flagicon 1983 Gold medal 1st 4 4 0 0 5 1
Template:Flagicon 1987 Did not participate
Template:Flagicon 1991
Template:Flagicon 1995
Since 1999 See Uruguay national under-23 football team
Total 1 Gold medal 3/12 10 5 1 4 10 9

Head-to-head record

Below is a list of all matches Uruguay have played against FIFA recognised teams.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Updated as of 18 November 2025.

Template:Legend2 Template:Legend2 Template:Legend2

Template:Notelist

Honours

Global

Intercontinental

Continental

Friendly

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1919

  • Copa Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1923

  • Copa Confraternidad Rioplatense<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1924

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (5): 1963, 1975, 1979, 1981, 1988

  • Copa Artigas<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (6): 1965, 1966, 1975s, 1977, 1983, 1985

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1982

  • Copa William Poole<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1984

  • Miami Cup<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1986

  • Marlboro Cup (1): 1990
  • Copa Parra del Riego<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1994

  • Copa Ministerio de Vivienda<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 1998

  • Tiger Beer Challenge Trophy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 2002

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> (1): 2011

Awards

Summary

Competition Template:Gold1 Template:Silver2 Template:Bronze3 Total
FIFA World Cup 2 0 0 2
Olympic Games 2 0 0 2
CONMEBOL Copa América 15 6 10 31
Panamerican Championship1 0 0 1 1
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions 0 1 0 1
Total 19 7 11 37
Notes
  1. Official continental competition organized by PFC. It was a unified confederation of the Americas, which was formed by NAFC, CCCF and CONMEBOL.
  • s Shared titles.

See also

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Notes

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References

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|group2 = Youth |list2 = {{#invoke:Navbox|navbox}} }}

Template:National sports teams of Uruguay Template:Navboxes bottom

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