Uruguay is already mapping out the path they will take to face their South American rivals in the pursuit of another World Cup appearance.
The Uruguayans left Qatar 2022 frustrated by their early exit, fighting hard to reach the tournament, only to be eliminated in the group stage. The setback prompted a leadership change, with Diego Alonso stepping aside and Marcelo Bielsa emerging as the new leadership prospect for La Celeste.
Marcelo Bielsa, a name frequently whispered in Uruguay as a potential coach: what the deal might look like, the contract terms, and who could join his coaching staff are all part of the ongoing discussion.
Tasked with guiding Uruguay toward the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, Bielsa faces the challenge of navigating the demanding South American qualifiers while also balancing responsibilities ahead of the Copa America in 2024. His approach would aim to recharge a squad with rich talent and a storied footballing heritage.
Official action is expected to begin in September 2023, with an opener against Chile on their home soil, a fixture that carries both weight and symbolism as Bielsa’s potential era could be judged from this encounter. The campaign would continue through 2025 with several high-stakes matches across the region, where Bielsa is remembered by fans as a central figure of his generation’s golden era. For now, attention remains on how the team will adapt in the interim and which players will emerge to carry the flag forward.
Below is Uruguay’s extensive schedule in South American qualifiers, outlining the fixtures, venues, and timelines that will shape the national team’s bid for a place on football’s biggest stage.
Source: Goal