Uruguay football boss Marcelo Bielsa has named Manuel Ugarte, Darwin Nunez and Rodrigo Bentancur in his World Cup squad, but Luis Suarez has been left out in one of the biggest calls in today’s ireland sports news cycle for soccer fans tracking the global game. The 39-year-old striker had suggested an international return was possible, yet Bielsa has gone with a younger forward group for the tournament in North America.
Manchester United midfielder Ugarte is part of a 26-man panel that also includes Wolves defender Santiago Bueno and Tottenham midfielder Bentancur. Former Liverpool striker Nunez keeps his place despite limited recent club action with Al-Hilal, where registration changes have restricted his opportunities since February.
Uruguay make bold World Cup call in ireland sports news update
Suarez’s omission is the clear headline. Even at 39, his record and experience meant he remained part of the conversation, especially after leaving the door open to a comeback following a 20-month absence from international football. Bielsa has decided otherwise, signalling a firm commitment to the players currently in his plans.
Uruguay’s squad still carries major quality through the spine of the team:
- Ugarte adds bite and control in midfield
- Federico Valverde brings elite energy and attacking drive
- Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez offer defensive authority
- Nunez remains a pace threat despite his disrupted run of games
Uruguay begin in Group H and open against Saudi Arabia on 15 June before meeting Cape Verde and Spain. That schedule gives Bielsa little room for a slow start, particularly with Spain likely to shape the battle for top spot.
For readers who follow ireland football, champions league ireland storylines and wider ireland soccer news, the Ugarte and Nunez angles will stand out most. Both players arrive with questions around form, but both could still be decisive if Uruguay settle quickly.
The next thing to watch is whether Bielsa’s gamble pays off once the tournament begins. In ireland sports news terms, this is a selection story with real bite: a famous name is out, a new-look attack is in, and Uruguay now have to prove the call was right on the pitch.
