Ronald Araujo

Ronald Araújo 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 Araújo a regular under Bielsa when fit. The 1.91 m Barcelona centre-back is 27 at kick-off and brings 27 senior Uruguay caps and one international goal into the build-up. He wears the captain's armband at club level for Barcelona; Federico Valverde is the Uruguay national-team captain.

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.

Araújo was originally a striker before being moved to centre-back at age 17 because of his physicality. He is primarily right-footed at centre-back and also comfortable at right-back when his side needs to counter skilled wingers. Defensive solidity, one-on-one duels and timing of challenges define the base, with pace and athleticism letting him cover large spaces in high lines. Standing 1.91 m, he is dominant in the air at both ends and a constant set-piece threat, and Vinicius Junior has called him "the best defender I have ever faced".

Set-piece threat at 1.91 m and one-on-one duels in the back four — that is what Araújo would bring to Uruguay's £24m Tier 2 slot within the game's £200m card budget 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 sits behind the call.