Uruguay prepares for the 2026 World Cup with Bielsa in charge

La Celeste, in Group H, seeks to recover its history in the World Cup.

Publicado 6 days ago el 21 de junio a las 11:53 | 2 mins reading |1,099 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup: structure and background

The Uruguayan team will face the 2026 World Cup as part of Group H. Led by Marcelo Bielsa since 2023, its captain is José María Giménez. In the FIFA ranking of April 1, 2026, it is ranked 17th.

The squad called for immediate preparation includes 28 players. The team is known as La Celeste or Los Charrúas, and its reference stadium is the Centenario.

Recent competitive keys

Uruguay has managed demanding qualifying scenarios in the past. For the 2002 World Cup, they reached the playoffs against Australia and qualified with a 3-0 win in Montevideo. In the tournament, they were eliminated in the group stage after drawing 3-3 with Senegal.

Four years later, the cycle towards 2006 also included a play-off against Australia, but qualification was frustrated on penalties in Sydney. That led to the hiring of Óscar Tabárez, who later led the team to the semifinals of the 2007 Copa América and the 2010 World Cup.

Copa América: a solid track record

At the continental level, Uruguay has accumulated 15 Copa América titles, from 1916 to 2011. It also registers 6 runners-up and 10 third places, including third place in 2024. The data offers a verifiable framework about its competitive weight in CONMEBOL.

Institutional framework and current cycle

The selection is administered by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF). In the current cycle, Bielsa maintains technical leadership from 2023 and has set a roadmap with international friendlies in March 2026.

With Uruguay in Group H, the team’s evolution is based on three verifiable axes: the already established technical direction, the leadership of captain Giménez and individual historical records, in addition to a preparation agenda prior to the tournament.

Sports

Without goals but with a guaranteed ticket: Colombia and Portugal tie

A scoreless draw in Miami qualifies both teams to the next round.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 23:08 | 1 min reading

No goals, but with guaranteed classification

Colombia and Portugal starred in an intense duel at the Miami stadium, with a full house and a majority of coffee fans. The score did not move: 0-0.

In the first half, Colombia had more possession and generated more arrivals, but failed to score. Portugal stood firm in defense. Cristiano Ronaldo did not have clear options.

The intensity did not decline in the second half. While the Colombians looked for the goal, the Lusitanians responded with danger. However, the tie prevailed.

With this result, Colombia finished leader of Group K with 7 points. Portugal was second with 5 units. Both teams advance to the next round of the tournament.

The match reflected the competitiveness of two teams that chose to secure their place without risking too much.

Sports

Modric breaks record and Croatia advances in the World Cup

Croatia beats Ghana 2-1; Modric, the oldest to provide assistance.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 22:44 | 2 mins reading

Croatia sealed its place in the round of 16 of the World Cup by beating Ghana 2-1. The match, played on Saturday at the Philadelphia Eagles stadium, left a historical mark: Luka Modric, at 40 years and 291 days old, became the oldest player to give an assist in the history of the tournament.

A triumph with a seal of experience

The Croatian midfielder took a corner kick that Nikola Vlašic headed home in the 83rd minute to spark the celebration. Before, Petar Sucic had opened the scoring at 31′ with a powerful shot from outside the area. Ghana temporarily tied the score thanks to Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute, but could not maintain the tie.

“I told him after the game: you play like you’re 20 years old,” Sucic declared. “He was incredible today. He is our leader, our best player.”

Modric played his 200th game with the Croatian team and was once again key. Their attendance broke the record that dated back to 1966. Vlašic also praised the captain:

“It seems as if he has gone back 10 years in time. One of the best performances I have seen from him with Croatia.”

Ghana, to the second round despite the defeat

Despite the result, Ghana advanced to the knockout phase for the first time since 2010. Coach Carlos Queiroz lamented the defensive error that cost him the winning goal:

“Two easy goals. When you score one more than your opponent, it means you deserve to win.”

Croatia finished second in Group L, only behind England. Ghana came third. Modric, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2018, continues to be the soul of the ‘Vatreni’ at 40 years old.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal define group against Colombia

Portugal has already qualified for the round of 16; Cristiano seeks the leadership of the group against Colombia.

Publicado 5 hours ago el 27 de junio a las 20:34 | 1 min reading

Portugal seeks leadership

With a ticket to the round of 16 secured, Portugal faces Colombia this Saturday in Miami. The match will define the winner of Group K.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the city with a light jacket, despite the almost 38 degrees Celsius. He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and gave a thumbs-up to fans waiting for his bus.

Historical goals

The Portuguese striker has two goals in this World Cup, reaching 10 in six World Cups. He is the only player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament.

Possible crossing with Messi

If Portugal wins, it will be the leader of the group and will be on the same side of the table as Argentina. That would open the door to a confrontation between Cristiano and Lionel Messi in the quarterfinals, on July 11.

Colombia, for its part, needs to win to top the group. The match promises intensity at the close of the group stage.