Bielsa omits Suarez from Uruguay World Cup squad

Luis Suarez has been left out of Uruguay's squad for the FIFA World Cup starting next week in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa included Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez and Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Uruguay will begin its World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15 before facing Cabo Verde and Spain in Group H.

Suarez, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 games, had said he was open to returning to the national team after announcing his retirement from international football in 2024.

The 39-year-old said he had apologized to Bielsa after criticizing the Argentine's management style, saying it had divided the dressing room.

Another notable absentee from Uruguay's 26-man squad was 30-year-old midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who was a regular presence for the Celeste during the World Cup qualifiers.

Uruguay squad:

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez, Matias Vina

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustin Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Nicolas de la Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araujo, Brian Rodriguez

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Darwin Nunez.