Who Has the Power
Uruguay’s World Cup campaign is already wobbling under the decisions made at the top, with the two-time World Cup winner drawing against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde and now facing a match against Spain that could leave it missing the knockout stage. The choices of coach Marcelo Bielsa have shaped the team’s path, including leaving Luis Suárez off the squad after months of speculation and also excluding veteran striker Edinson Cavani from his roster.
Among the many fans watching was Suárez himself, who watched from above as Uruguay struggled despite being heavily favored. The matches were played in Miami Stadium, near where Suárez serves as striker for Inter Miami. Suárez ended his international career in 2024 as the all-time leading scorer for the national team with 69 goals in 143 appearances.
In April, Suárez announced he was willing to come out of retirement to play for Uruguay in the World Cup, fueling speculation that he could make one final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage. Bielsa instead placed his faith in Uruguay’s next attacking generation, and the results so far have been mixed at best.
Who Gets Left Behind
Uruguay’s first World Cup match without Suárez since 2010 nearly turned into an upset against Saudi Arabia, with its only goal coming late from midfielder Maxi Araújo. Nuñez and Federico Viñas led the front line but were largely ineffective. Bielsa chose a different lineup Sunday night, starting only Viñas to lead the attack.
Midfielder Agustín Canobbio was added to the starting lineup against Cape Verde and made a difference, scoring Uruguay’s second goal. It was Canobbio’s narrow miss in the second half, however, that could have given Uruguay a much-needed victory. Bielsa said through a translator after Sunday’s game, “I think that the problem or greatest issue is that we started the second half with the ball and with the victory. And it was at that moment that we didn’t close it. We didn’t make any danger.” Bielsa also said his team “lacked a finishing touch” in Sunday night’s draw.
The fans around the team are left sorting through the consequences of those decisions. Uruguay supporter Frederico Suárez said, “(I have) mixed feelings to be honest. He’s old and now it’s time for the younger players. But he’s a good player, maybe the best player I’ve ever watched with Uruguay.” Uruguay fan Ian Lancaster said, “I feel like he’s a little older, so for players like Darwin (Núñez), I think it just gives him a little bit more of a chance to shine.”
What They Call a Transition
Bielsa’s roster choices have put Uruguay in a position where the next match matters more because the first two did not deliver. All eyes will be on Uruguay on Friday as they travel to Guadalajara Stadium for a match against Spain. Uruguay fan Alfonso Aguel said, “Our expectations with Uruguay now is that we never know. We need to play every match, go match by match, and see what actually happens.”
Suárez and Bielsa clashed after the 2024 Copa América when Suárez criticized Bielsa for the negative environment he had created under his leadership. That split hangs over the team as Bielsa continues to push his version of renewal, while the veteran who once carried Uruguay’s attack watches from the stands.
The broader picture is a familiar one: decisions made by the people with the authority to pick the roster, set the lineup, and define the future leave everyone else to live with the consequences. Uruguay’s supporters can only watch the results unfold, match by match, while the team’s hierarchy sorts out who gets to play and who gets pushed aside.