Uruguay is one of the top contenders to lift the Copa America 2024 title. In order to live up to the expectations generated around them, coach Marcelo Bielsa has called up the best players of the nation who were at their best at the club level this season or have enough experience to play in a major soccer tournament like this. The veteran manager has decided to stick with the 26-man squad before heading into the Copa America.
Uruguay has a rich history in the South American soccer tournament. Despite trailing the likes of Brazil and Argentina in terms of elite list of players, La Celeste have managed to win the CONMEBOL competition for a record 15 times. Only Argentina has this eye-catching number in this regard. After beating both Selecao and La Albiceleste in a few weeks time, Uruguay are now dreaming of adding another silverware to their trophy collection. Before the 2024 Copa America kicks off, let’s have a look at the Uruguay squad, predicted line-up and key players to watch in the soccer tournament.
Goalkeepers
According to the rule of CONMEBOL, Uruguay has retained three goalkeepers – Sergio Rochet, Franco Israel, and Santiago Mele. Among these three, Rochet is the most experienced stopper and is likely to be the first choice for Bielsa at Copa. The 32-year-old goalkeeper plays for SC Internacional in Brazil top division. Having made his debut for the national team, Rochet has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Uruguay.
However, Mele and Israel will be on high alert as Bielsa is known for his tactical changes in big games. It’s for sure that these two goalies will also have their game time in this edition of Copa America.
| Name | Club |
| Sergio Rochet | Internacional |
| Santiago Melé | Boca Junior |
| Franco Israel | Sporting Lisbon |
Defenders
The backline of the Uruguayan side will once again be led by Jose Maria Gimenez, who has always been a loyal and trustworthy general in Bielsa’s squad. Atletico Madrid’s versatile defender has the ability to play as both a full-back and a center-back, based on the need and shape of his team. Another notable figure in the team is Barcelona’s Ronaldo Araujo. He was a mainstay for Xavi’s side’s defensive area. The talented defender will be a key player to watch in this Copa America.
The other defenders that might also steal the momenta for Uruguay by their exploding performance are Mathias Olivera, Matias Vina, and Sebastian Caceres. They are also expected to make it to the playing XI. Nine defenders have been listed in the final roster of the Uruguayan team for Copa.
| Name | Club |
| Jose Maria Gimenez | Atletico Madrid |
| Ronald Araujo | Barcelona |
| Sebastian Caceres | Club America |
| Nicolas Marichal | Dynamo |
| Lucas Olaza | Krasnodar |
| Mathias Olivera | Napoli |
| Matias Vina | Flamengo |
| Guillermo Varela | Flamengo |
| Nahitan Nandez | Cagliari |
Also Read: A tactical preview for Brazil playing in Copa America 2024
Midfielders
The midfield department of the Uruguayan team is one of the scariest sides to face in the 2024 Copa America. It has a perfect mixture of promising talents and war-hardened veterans. Among them, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde is the most prized jewel in La Celeste’s midfield. The young attacker is so versatile that he has played in four positions so far for the Spanish giants this season – attacking midfielder, winger, defensive midfielder and full-back. Bielsa will definitely use this gem of a player to execute the in-game tactical changes. The 26-year-old has already featured in 56 games for Uruguay, while scoring 7 times.
He will be accompanied by the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur, who also had an impressive season for their respective clubs. Total 7 midfielders have been called up for the Copa by the former Leeds United manager.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martínez (Midtjylland), Nicolás de la Cruz (Flamengo), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Agustín Canobbio (Paranaense)
| Name | Club |
| Federico Valverde | Real Madrid |
| Manuel Ugarte | PSG |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | Spurs |
| Nicolas de la Cruz | Flamengo |
| Emiliano Martinez | Midtjylland |
| Giorgian de Arrascaeta | Flamengo |
| Augustin Canobbio | Paranaense |
Forwards
Despite the possibility of missing the Copa America 2024 due to a knee injury, Luis Suarez has made it to the 26-player squad of Uruguay. It is going to be his fifth appearance in the soccer tournament. The 37-year-old was sublime in front of goals this season for Inter Miami as he scored 12 goals and recorded 5 assists in just 17 games across all competitions. His red-hot form has earned him a spot in Bielsa’s roster alongside the talented Liverpool forward, Darwin Nunez. The former Barcelona man will definitely be a key player in the attacking front for La Celeste.
Brian Rodriguez of Club America and Facundo Pellistri will also join Nunez and Suarez in the final third. Both these players have earned the trust of Bielsa to retain their names in the final roster. If both Suarez and Nunez are sent in, then Brian will be the frontrunner to start in the playing XI. Seven attackers have been included in the 26-player roster.
Brian Rodríguez (América), Brian Ocampo (Cádiz), Facundo Pellistri (Granada), Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca), Cristián Olivera (Dallas), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool) Luis Suárez (Inter Miami).
| Name | Club |
| Brian Rodriguez | Club America |
| Darwin Nunez | Liverpool |
| Luis Suarez | Inter Miami |
| Facundo Pellistri | Granada |
| Cristian Olivera | Dallas |
| Brian Ocampo | Cadiz |
| Maximiliano Araujo | Toluca |
Predicted Lineup for Uruguay in Copa America 2024
Uruguay will start their Copa America 2024 campaign with a seemingly easy game against Panama on 24th June. Bielsa will definitely take this game as an opportunity to have a go at a necessary experiment before taking on the big boys of the competition such as Brazil and Argentina in the Knockouts. After defeating both of these elite teams ahead of the Copa America, Uruguay will look to continue implementing their high-energy tactics to overpower the opponents.
Araujo and Gimenez will definitely be the two main center-backs from day one. Sergio Rochet will be the last man standing between the sticks for his experience at the international stage. Bielsa will want to field both Nunez and Suarez in search of early goals. In that case, he will have to go with four-man midfield. That department will be spearheaded by Valverde, accompanied by the likes of Ugarte, Bentancur and Facundo Pellistri. As far as Bielsa’s tactical brilliance is concerned, he would go with a 4-2-2-2 formation at Copa America.
Uruguay’s Predicted Line-up: Rochet, Gimenez, Araujo, Nandez, Olaza, Bentancur, Ugarte, Valverde, B. Rodriguez, Nunez, Suarez
Players to Miss Uruguay in Copa America 2024
Both Matias Roja and David Ruiz are currently traveling with the Uruguayan soccer team. They are likely to be kept as reserve players throughout the Copa America 2024. The Inter Miami stars served well for their club this season.
| Name | Club |
| Luciano Rodriguez | Liverpool |
| Matias Roja | Inter Miami |
| David Ruiz | Inter Miami |
| Facundo Torres | Orlando City |
| Edinson Cavani | Retired |
| Matias Vecino | Retired |
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