The 39-year-old former Liverpool and Barcelona striker, Uruguay's record scorer with 69 international goals, had left the door open for a surprise return to international football after a 20-month absence. But Bielsa has decided against recalling him, instead finalising a 26-man squad that signals a clear shift away from veteran reliance.

Suarez's omission comes despite his strong pedigree, with 143 caps placing him second in Uruguay's all-time appearance list behind only Diego Godin. He has scored six goals in 11 MLS appearances for Inter Miami, but that was not enough to convince Bielsa, who is prioritising intensity, mobility and pressing across his forward line.

There had also been scrutiny of Suarez's previous criticism of Bielsa's management style, in which he suggested the coach's approach had divided the dressing room. Although he later apologised, the relationship had been widely viewed as strained.

Another major absentee is Nahitan Nandez, who featured heavily in World Cup qualifying but has also been phased out as Bielsa reshapes the squad around players in their prime.

Instead, the attack is led by Darwin Nunez, despite a disrupted season in which he has not featured in the Saudi Pro League since February following squad registration changes at his club after high-profile arrivals. Nunez is expected to remain Uruguay's focal point up front.

The defensive unit is anchored by Ronald Araujo, Jose María Gimenez and Mathias Olivera, forming a strong backbone in front of the goalkeepers.

In midfield, Uruguay's identity is built around energy and control, with Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolas de la Cruz providing dynamism and pressing intensity in line with Bielsa's tactical demands.

There is also significant Premier League representation, with Ugarte (Manchester United), Bentancur (Tottenham) and Santiago Bueno (Wolves) included among the 26-man squad.

Uruguay will compete in Group H, opening their campaign against Saudi Arabia on 15 June before facing Cape Verde and Spain.

Uruguay 2026 World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Santiago Mele (Junior FC)

Defenders: Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose María Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Santiago Bueno (Wolves), Sebastian Caceres (Club America), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Joaquin Piquerez (Palmeiras), Matias Vina (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Emiliano Martinez (Palmeiras), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Agustín Canobbio (Fluminense), Juan Manuel Sanabria (Atletico San Luis), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolas de la Cruz (Flamengo), Rodrigo Zalazar (Braga), Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos), Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting CP), Brian Rodríguez (Club America)

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre (Club America), Federico Vinas (Real Oviedo), Darwin Nunez (Al-Hilal)

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