Uruguay

Uruguay were the original world champions, winning the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup on home soil and claiming their second title in 1950 with the legendary 'Maracanazo' shock defeat of Brazil — a defining moment that still haunts South American football.

Coach Marcelo Bielsa named seven players from Brazilian Série A clubs, the most Brazil-based players of any foreign squad at the 2026 World Cup, reflecting the strong Flamengo connection through de Arrascaeta, de la Cruz, Varela, and others.

Fernando Muslera, 39, came out of retirement after leaving Galatasaray to join Estudiantes de La Plata — and was selected by Bielsa for a record fifth World Cup for a Uruguayan goalkeeper.

Rodrigo Zalazar's breakout season at Braga — 16 goals and a record €30 million transfer to Sporting CP — is the most expensive move between two Portuguese clubs in history and earned the 26-year-old his first World Cup call-up.

Uruguay's World Cup group also features Spain — whom they faced in the 1950 final-round group, drawing 2-2 on the way to the Maracanazo — meaning a grudge rematch 76 years in the making.

Uruguay wear four stars above their crest despite winning two World Cups — the other two honour their 1924 and 1928 Olympic golds, tournaments run by FIFA and considered the world championships before the World Cup existed.

Uruguay are the only world champions who never defended their title — furious that most European teams had snubbed their 1930 tournament, they boycotted Italy 1934 in revenge.