Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte is expected in Marcelo Bielsa's final 26-man Uruguay squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the federation due to announce the list by 2 June 2026 and Ugarte a regular starter under Bielsa. The Manchester United midfielder is 25 at kick-off and brings 36 senior Uruguay caps and one international goal into the build-up. Federico Valverde captains Uruguay, while Ugarte plays as a defensive midfielder in the central spine.

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. Bielsa's side qualified by finishing fourth in CONMEBOL round-robin qualifying on 4 September 2025, with the most shots blocked (69) and the highest volume of recoveries (839) in the South American section.

Ugarte is a combative defensive midfielder whose strengths include winning back possession with well-timed tackles and disciplined defensive positioning. During the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season at Paris Saint-Germain he topped the charts for the most tackles (98) despite playing only 25 of a possible 34 league games. His ball-winning profile was recognised when he was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Copa America.

On Uruguay's £24m Tier 2 pick within the game's £200m card budget, Ugarte is the ball-winner. Tackles, recoveries and disciplined defensive positioning define what he brings to the team card if Bielsa names him. Group H opens against Saudi Arabia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on 15 June, with Cape Verde and Spain to follow on the matchday lane. Bielsa's 4-2-3-1 gives that role a central midfield home.