Uruguay

Where to Watch – Streaming Options

ServiceTypeCostDetails
Canal 5 (TNU) Free $0 Uruguay's national public broadcaster holds primary World Cup rights. Airs all La Celeste national team fixtures free-to-air, including Group H matches vs Saudi Arabia (June 15, Miami), vs Cabo Verde (June 21, Miami) and vs Spain (June 26, Guadalajara). Also covers key knockout rounds and the final. Accessible via standard TV reception across Uruguay.
Antel TV Paid Included with Antel subscription Uruguay's national telecommunications provider offers additional World Cup coverage via its IPTV platform. Available to Antel broadband and cable subscribers. Includes all La Celeste fixtures with Spanish commentary plus live streaming via the Antel TV app on iOS and Android.
DSports / DGO Paid Included with DirecTV / Est. ~$15–20 USD/month (DGO) DSports holds pay-TV rights for all 104 World Cup matches in Uruguay. Available via DirecTV satellite subscription or as a standalone digital service through the DGO app on iOS, Android and Smart TVs — no satellite dish required. The only way to watch every single match in Uruguay.
Uruguay National Football Team – FIFA Ranking #17 · World Cup 2026
FIFA Ranking
#17[1]
Titles
2
1930 · 1950
World Cup Appearances
14[2]

Country

  • CapitalMontevideo
  • Population~3.5 million
  • ContinentSouth America
  • ConfederationCONMEBOL
  • National associationAUF – Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol

World Cup history

  • Titles: 2 — first World Cup winners[2]
    Uruguay won the inaugural 1930 World Cup as hosts and triumphed again in 1950 in the legendary 'Maracanazo' — defeating Brazil in the final match
  • 1950
    The Maracanazo
    One of the greatest sporting upsets ever — Uruguay beat Brazil 2–1 at the Maracanã to claim the title, in front of 200,000 home fans expecting a Brazilian victory
  • 2010
    Semi-finals
    Their best modern result — Forlán's golden boot, Suárez's infamous handball — Uruguay reached the last four and finished fourth
  • 2022
    Round of 16
    Narrowly eliminated, finishing level on points with South Korea but going out on goals scored — the painful, fine margins of tournament football
  • 2026
    Group J — CONMEBOL qualifier
    Bielsa's Uruguay arrive with one of the most complete squads in their modern history — genuine dark horses for the title

Head coach

MB
Marcelo Bielsa
Since 2023[4]

Legendary Argentine manager and one of the most respected tactical minds in football history. Has completely transformed Uruguay's identity — from the historically pragmatic, defensive South American style to a high-energy, high-press, fearless attacking team. Coaches with an obsessive attention to detail that has influenced a generation of managers including Guardiola and Pochettino.[5]

Key players

Striker

Darwin Núñez ↗

Liverpool's explosive and physical centre-forward — combines extraordinary pace with powerful finishing and an insatiable hunger to score. One of the most dangerous pure strikers in the tournament when at his electrifying best.

Midfielder

Federico Valverde ↗

A complete and utterly dominant midfielder at Real Madrid — box-to-box excellence, natural leadership, goals and world-class defensive contribution. Arguably Uruguay's most important player and one of the best midfielders in the world.

Midfielder

Rodrigo Bentancur ↗

Elegant and technically gifted central midfielder who brings composure, intelligence and the ability to control tempo. Has thrived in the Premier League at Tottenham — the perfect complement to Valverde's energy.

Centre-back

José María Giménez ↗

Commanding, aggressive and dominant centre-back — a real physical presence who marshals the back line with aggression and sharp positional intelligence. One of the most combative defenders in world football.

Winger

Facundo Pellistri ↗

Dynamic young winger at Manchester United who provides pace, directness and unpredictability from wide areas. The next generation of Uruguayan talent — quick, direct and capable of creating goals from nothing.

© 2026 Uruguay Football Team Profile