Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Monday, 01 June 2026 20:45 / Updated Monday, 01 June 2026 20:55
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa (70 years old) clarified the reasons why Luis Suarez (39), from Inter Miami, was not called up for the 2026 World Cup.
The decision, according to the coach, is based on sporting criteria and the promotion of younger players, such as Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Aguirre and Federico Vinas, the strikers chosen by the selector.
Marcelo Bielsa: “I have nothing against Luis Suarez, I chose the younger players”
Bielsa recalled what the Inter Miami striker himself declared upon his retirement from the national team in September 2024. “When Suarez told us, at the farewell match, that he preferred to leave his place in the team, he publicly stated that he favored the development of young players who were an alternative for his position,” explained the selector, according to abola.pt.
Although Luis Suarez changed his mind in May 2026, once again making himself available to the national team, Bielsa opted to maintain his plan to renew the attack. “Actually, I have no problem with Suarez, but I went for Darwin Nuñez, Rodrigo Aguirre and Federico Vinas. He owes me no apology“, said the coach.
The Argentine coach reiterated that all his decisions, although they may be wrong, are made with the aim of achieving sporting success. “All the decisions we make may represent errors, but they are decisions guided by what I believe is best for the sporting success of the team,” he concluded.
Marcelo Bielsa announced the squad of the Uruguayan national team for the World Championship in the USA, Mexico and Canada/ PHOTO Getty Images
Luis Suarez is the top scorer in the history of the Uruguayan national team, with a record 69 goals in 143 caps. His international career started in 2007 against Colombia and his last match was in 2024 against Paraguay.
Uruguay's World Cup squad
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Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (International), Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes), Santiago Mele (Monterrey).
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defense: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona), José María Giménez (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastián Cáceres (Club America), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matías Vina (River Plate).
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midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martínez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Real Salt Lake), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolás de la Cruz (Flamengo), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting), Brian Rodríguez (Club America).
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Strikers: Rodrigo Aguirre (Tigres), Federico Vinas (Oviedo), Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal).
