Uruguay
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
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Star Players
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Fixtures
Group H
Group H
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Spain | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 7 |
| 2 |  Cape Verde | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 |  Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
Full Squad Players List
| # | Player | Pos | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||
| 1 | Sergio RochetXI SC Internacional | GK | |
| 12 | Santiago Mele CF Monterrey | GK | |
| 23 | Fernando Muslera Estudiantes LP | GK | |
| Defenders | |||
| 2 | José María GiménezXI Atlético De Madrid | DEF | |
| 3 | Sebastián Cáceres Club América | DEF | |
| 4 | Ronald AraújoXI FC Barcelona | DEF | |
| 13 | Guillermo VarelaXI CR Flamengo | DEF | |
| 16 | Mathías OliveraXI SSC Napoli | DEF | |
| 17 | Matías Viña CA River Plate | DEF | |
| 24 | Santiago Bueno Wolverhampton Wanderers FC | DEF | |
| Midfielders | |||
| 5 | Manuel UgarteXI Manchester United FC | MID | |
| 6 | Rodrigo BentancurXI Tottenham Hotspur FC | MID | |
| 7 | Nicolás De La Cruz CR Flamengo | MID | |
| 8 | Federico ValverdeXI Real Madrid C. F. | MID | |
| 10 | Giorgian De Arrascaeta CR Flamengo | MID | |
| 14 | Agustín Canobbio Fluminense FC | MID | |
| 15 | Emiliano Martínez SE Palmeiras | MID | |
| 20 | Maximiliano AraújoXI Sporting CP | MID | |
| 22 | Joaquín Piquerez SE Palmeiras | MID | |
| 25 | Juan Manuel Sanabria Real Salt Lake | MID | |
| 26 | Rodrigo Zalazar SC Braga | MID | |
| Forwards | |||
| 9 | Darwin NúñezXI Al Hilal SC | FWD | |
| 11 | Facundo PellistriXI Panathinaikos FC | FWD | |
| 18 | Brian Rodríguez Club América | FWD | |
| 19 | Rodrigo Aguirre Tigres UANL | FWD | |
| 21 | Federico Viñas Real Oviedo | FWD | |
World Cup History
1930, 1950
Titles
14
Appearances
87
WC Goals
33
Wins
Best finish: Champions (1930, 1950)
Top scorer: Gregorio Laguinha Acosta (9 goals)
Most capped: Diego Forlán & Diego Godín (16 matches)
Record: 33W – 12D – 25L
Uruguay are the original World Cup champions — winning the inaugural 1930 tournament on home soil and the 1950 'Maracanazo' by defeating Brazil in front of 200,000 people in the Maracanã. One of the smallest nations to win the World Cup (population 3.5 million), they have maintained a remarkable record including fourth-place finishes in 1954, 1970, and 2010.
Tournament Eras
The Founders — 1930 and the Maracanazo
1930–1950Uruguay were the first World Cup champions, beating Argentina 4-2 in the final of the 1930 inaugural tournament before their home fans. They boycotted 1934 and 1938, then produced the greatest upset in football history in 1950 — defeating Brazil 2-1 at the Maracanã in what was effectively the final, with 199,854 in attendance. Alcides Ghiggia's goal produced the 'silence of the Maracanã' — one of sport's most dramatic moments.
The Consistent Powers — 1954 to 1970
1954–1970Uruguay placed fourth in 1954 (losing their semi-final to Hungary 4-2 in the 'Game of the Century's predecessor), and again reached fourth in 1970, famously losing to Brazil in a semi-final. The nation punched well above its weight across four decades, remaining among the top eight teams in the world with a fraction of the resources of European rivals.
The Modern Revival — 2010
2002–2010After a lean period, Uruguay roared back in 2010 under Óscar Tabárez. Forlán won the Golden Ball, Suárez and Cavani provided goals, and they reached the semi-finals — losing to Netherlands before finishing fourth again. The famous Suárez handball against Ghana in the quarter-final and Asamoah Gyan's missed penalty haunts both nations.
Iconic Moments
The Maracanazo — 1950
Uruguay's 2-1 victory over Brazil at the Maracanã — with 199,854 in attendance — is the most emotionally charged result in World Cup history. Brazil needed only a draw; Uruguay's Ghiggia scored in the 79th minute to win the trophy. The silence that fell over the stadium — a city in mourning — is described by witnesses as the most extraordinary atmosphere in football history.
Suárez's Handball — Ghana 2010
In the last second of extra time, with the scores level, Luis Suárez deliberately handled a goal-bound shot on the line to prevent Ghana from scoring. He was sent off. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, Uruguay survived, and Suárez celebrated — to the outrage of the entire African continent. Uruguay went through on the ensuing shootout.
Forlán's Golden Ball — 2010
Diego Forlán was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player in 2010 — a recognition of a technically brilliant campaign in which he scored three goals including a stunning long-range strike against Germany. Forlán's elegance and leadership defined Uruguay's best tournament in 40 years.