Darwin Núñez

Darwin Núñez is expected to be named in Marcelo Bielsa's final 26-man Uruguay squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the final 26 due by 2 June 2026. The Al-Hilal forward is 26 at kick-off and brings 38 senior Uruguay caps and 13 international goals into the selection window as of 31 March 2026, with the centre-forward role explicitly expected.

Uruguay face Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Group H, opening against Saudi Arabia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on 15 June. Uruguay finished fourth in CONMEBOL round-robin qualifying to qualify on 4 September 2025. Núñez is the expected senior striker for the tournament ahead of the final-squad announcement, listed alongside Uruguay's other forwards.

Núñez is a right-footed forward known for an athletic frame, acceleration and the change of pace that creates immediate separation. He is a disruptive striker with a dynamic range of mobility, carrying counter-attacks, striking the ball explosively from varied situations, and also playing as a left winger when the shape requires it.

His playing style has been compared to fellow Uruguayan forwards Diego Forlán, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez, and his unpredictable style has earned him the nickname "Agent of Chaos". His 38 caps and 13 international goals fit a centre-forward leading the line in Bielsa's 4-2-3-1.

Uruguay sit in Tier 2 at £24m within the game's £200m card budget. The Group H draw — Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia — frames Bielsa's 4-2-3-1 group-stage selection logic.

Núñez gives Uruguay's £24m pick its direct attacking edge: 13 international goals, the Agent-of-Chaos disruption from the centre-forward line and the explosive change of pace that creates separation around the box. The £24m slot pays off through individual contributions inside that 4-2-3-1.