Uruguay expects a productive Copa America 2024 campaign in which they could challenge holders Argentina for the favorites tag. The confidence comes from their manager Marcelo Bielsa who is determined to lead his side to tournament success with his famous brand of football. Having a good combination of youth and experience, Los Charrúas has shown a different side to their game in recent years hoping to be a force again, starting from this tournament. Uruguay will face Panama, Bolivia and hosts USA in Group C of the competition with the opener against the latter on June 24, 2024.
History
Uruguay has won the joint-most Copa America titles, along with Argentina, with 15. La Celeste were the first team to lift an international trophy in football history when they won the inaugural edition in 1916. The nation has also successfully defended the title three times including in the first two editions. The key player behind their dominance was Ángel Romano, scoring 12 goals, who holds the record for most titles by winning the Copa America six times and most tournament participations with eight. All-time top-scorer for Uruguay in the tournament, Severino Varela also had a big hand with 15 goals. The last success for Uruguay came in this competition in 2011 with current football star Luis Suárez being a part of it and under legendary coach Óscar Tabárez. The team has failed to get into the top four since with three quarter final appearances in four editions including the last one which was Óscar Tabárez’s last major competition with the team.
Preparation for Copa America 2024
Since Marcelo Bielsa’s appointment in May 2023, Uruguay has been on the ascendency with five wins in nine matches including victories against Brazil and holders Argentina in the World Cup qualifying last year. Although they started 2024 with a loss and a draw, the 4-0 win over Mexico through Darwin Nunez’s spectacular hattrick in the pre-tournament friendly has shown the side’s intent ahead of Copa America 2024.
Uruguay squad for Copa America 2024
Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Santiago Mele (Atlético Junior), Franco Israel (Sporting CP)
Defenders: José Giménez (Atlético Madrid), Matías Viña (Flamengo), Mathías Olivera (Napoli), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Sebastián Cáceres (Club América), Lucas Olaza (Krasnodar), Nicolás Marichal (Dynamo Moscow)
Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Nahitan Nández (Cagliari), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Nicolás de la Cruz (Flamengo), Manuel Ugarte (PSG), Emiliano Martínez (Midtjylland)
Forwards: Luis Suárez (Inter Miami), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), Brian Rodríguez (Club América), Facundo Pellistri (Granada, on loan from Manchester United), Agustín Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense), Maximiliano Araújo (Toluca), Cristian Olivera (Los Angeles FC), Brian Ocampo (Cadiz)
Captain: José Giménez
Head Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer Luis Suárez will play in his fifth Copa America after the 37-year-old Inter Miami striker was included in the 26-member list. Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez will play in his first Copa America. Defender Nicolás Marichal and forward Brian Ocampo will play in the tournament after earning just one international cap.
How will Uruguay Lineup at Copa America 2024?
Uruguay Fixtures for Copa America 2024
Monday, 24 June 2024
Uruguay vs Panama - Hard Rock Stadium, Florida (06:30)
Friday, 28 June 2024
Uruguay vs Bolivia - Metlife Stadium, New Jersey (06:30)
Tuesday, 2 July 2024
USA vs Uruguay - Arrowhead Stadium, Missouri (06:30)
Prediction
Bielsa’s side comes with its unpredictability, swinging between starring wins and surprising defeats. However, entertainment is guaranteed. Uruguay though has been mostly consistent and should be comfortable group winners in Copa America ahead of the hosts USA. The real challenge will start in the knockouts with the possibility of facing Colombia, whom they lost in the last competition. The squad have the potential to reach the semi-final for the first time since 2011 and even go beyond that.
