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Uruguay national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Uruguay women's national football team.

Uruguay
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)La Celeste (The Sky Blue)
Los Charrúas (The Charrúas)
AssociationAsociación Uruguaya de Fútbol (AUF)
ConfederationCONMEBOL (South America)
Head coachMarcelo Bielsa
CaptainJosé María Giménez
Most capsDiego Godín (161)
Top scorerLuis Suárez (69)
Home stadiumEstadio Centenario
FIFA codeURU
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 17 Decrease 1 (19 January 2026)[1]
Highest2 (June 2012)
Lowest76 (December 1998)
First international
 Uruguay 0–6 Argentina 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 20 July 1902)[note 1]
Biggest win
 Uruguay 9–0 Bolivia 
(Lima, Peru; 6 November 1927)
Biggest defeat
 Uruguay 0–6 Argentina 
(Montevideo, Uruguay; 20 July 1902)
World Cup
Appearances14 (first in 1930)
Best resultChampions (1930, 1950)
World Champions’ Gold Cup
Appearances1 (first in 1980)
Best resultChampions (1980)
CONMEBOL Copa América
Appearances46 (first in 1916)
Best resultChampions (1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011)
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Appearances1 (first in 1985)
Best resultRunners-up (1985)
Confederations Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1997)
Best resultFourth place (1997, 2013)
Medal record
FIFA World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1930 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1950 Brazil Team
Olympic Games[note 2]
Gold medal – first place 1924 Paris Team
Gold medal – first place 1928 Amsterdam Team
World Champions' Gold Cup
Gold medal – first place 1980 Uruguay Team
CONMEBOL Copa América
Gold medal – first place 1916 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1917 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1920 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1923 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1924 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1926 Chile Team
Gold medal – first place 1935 Peru Team
Gold medal – first place 1942 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1956 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1959 Ecuador Team
Gold medal – first place 1967 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 1983 South America Team
Gold medal – first place 1987 Argentina Team
Gold medal – first place 1995 Uruguay Team
Gold medal – first place 2011 Argentina Team
Silver medal – second place 1919 Brazil Team
Silver medal – second place 1927 Peru Team
Silver medal – second place 1939 Peru Team
Silver medal – second place 1941 Chile Team
Silver medal – second place 1989 Brazil Team
Silver medal – second place 1999 Paraguay Team
Bronze medal – third place 1921 Argentina Team
Bronze medal – third place 1922 Brazil Team
Bronze medal – third place 1929 Argentina Team
Bronze medal – third place 1937 Argentina Team
Bronze medal – third place 1947 Colombia Team
Bronze medal – third place 1953 Peru Team
Bronze medal – third place 1957 Peru Team
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Peru Team
Bronze medal – third place 2024 United States Team
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Silver medal – second place 1985 Paris Team
Websiteauf.org.uy/mayores

The Uruguay national football team (Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Uruguay), nicknamed La Celeste ("The Sky Blue") and Los Charrúas ("The Charrúas"), have represented Uruguay in international men's football since their first international match in 1902 and is administered by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol (English: Uruguayan Football Association), the governing body of football in Uruguay, which is a founding member of CONMEBOL since 1916 and a member of FIFA since 1923. It was also a member of PFC, which was the attempt at a unified confederation of the Americas from 1946 to 1961. Uruguay's home stadium is the Estadio Centenario, and they have been coached by Marcelo Bielsa since 2023.

Considered one of the most successful national teams in international competitions and by FIFA as "football's first global powerhouse,"[10] Uruguay has won four world FIFA–organized championships, two Olympic titles and two FIFA World Cups.[11][12] Their first two senior world titles came at the Olympic tournaments of Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928,[13] two events that were directly organized by FIFA as open tournaments that included professionals.[14] In the former, Uruguay beat Switzerland 3–0 in the final, whereas in the latter, Uruguay defeated Argentina 2–1.[15] They then secured a third consecutive title at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Montevideo, where they beat Argentina 4–2 in the decisive match.[16] Uruguay's fourth title came in 1950 after beating hosts Brazil in the final match 2–1, a match that still holds the record for the highest official attendance for a football match ever (173,850 people at the gate). On account of these achievements, the Uruguayan national team displays four five-pointed stars approved by FIFA on its football crest. Uruguay were unbeaten in world championship matches from the 1924 Olympics until their semi-final loss in the 1954 World Cup marking a 30-year unbeaten streak and winning four consecutive world titles in tournaments they participated in, having chosen to opt out of the 1934 and 1938 World Cups. In regional competitions, Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times, having also won the inaugural edition in 1916, second only to Argentina for the most titles in the tournament's history, with their most recent title in 2011. As of 2025, based on international senior official titles, Uruguay have won the second most major trophies, behind Argentina.[17]

Uruguay has consistently performed well in global football rankings throughout their history, achieving their highest FIFA World Ranking of 2nd place in June 2012.[18] In the World Football Elo Ratings, they have also reached the top spot on multiple occasions.[19] Uruguay has also developed many rivalries through the years, with the most notable ones being with neighboring countries Argentina, known as the Clásico del Río de la Plata based on their geographical location and cultural similarities, and Brazil, known as the Clásico del Río Negro in reference to the 1950 FIFA World Cup final known to football fans as the Maracanazo.[20] Additionally, FIFA officially recognizes Uruguay as Champions of World Champions, following their victory in the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup (also known as the 1980 Mundialito). This unique designation makes Uruguay the only national team in football history to be formally acknowledged by FIFA with that title.[21]

History

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Beginnings (1900–1916)

[edit]

Historically, football has been a fundamental element in the consolidation of Uruguayan nationality and in projecting Uruguay’s image internationally at the beginning of the 20th century.

Uruguay is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won nineteen official competitions recognized by FIFA, a world record at senior national team level. These include two editions of the FIFA World Cup, two editions of the Olympic Games when they were contested by senior national teams and organized by FIFA (at that time, the only global-level football competition), and fifteen editions of the Copa América. Uruguay was the first national team, along with Argentina, to play an international match outside the British Isles, on 16 May 1901 in Montevideo, with Argentina winning 3–2. However, because the sides were combined teams rather than national selections, the match is considered unofficial. In that game, Frank Chevallier Boutell, president of the Argentine Association Football League, served as a linesman.

Uruguay was the first national team, along with Argentina, to play an international match outside the British Isles, on 16 May 1901 in Montevideo, with Argentina winning 3–2. However, because the sides were combined teams rather than national selections, the match is considered unofficial. In that game, Frank Chevallier Boutell, president of the Argentine Association Football League, served as a linesman.

A precedent suggests there was an even earlier match, though not between the two countries’ national teams, but between representative teams of their capitals, Buenos Aires and Montevideo, on 15 August 1889. Two representative sides from the two capitals faced each other in commemoration of the seventieth anniversary of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Supposedly, the match took place at the so-called New Ground in La Blanqueada and ended with a 3-0 victory for the Buenos Aires team over the Montevideo team.

The first official match between the national teams of Uruguay and Argentina was played on 20 July 1902 at the Albion ground, with Argentina winning 6–0 (to this day the heaviest away win in the derby) . Of Uruguay’s starting eleven, 8 were from Club Nacional de Football . Uruguay’s lineup was: Enrique Sardeson (Albion), Carlos Carve Urioste (Nacional), Germán Arímalo (Nacional), Miguel Nebel (capt.) (Nacional), Alberto Peixoto (Albion), Luis Carbone (Nacional), Bolívar Céspedes (Nacional), Gonzalo Rincón (Nacional), Juan Sardeson (Albion), Ernesto Boutón Reyes (Nacional), and Carlos Céspedes (Nacional). Goalscorers were Bolívar Céspedes and William Poole.

On 13 September 1903, Uruguay won its first match, defeating Argentina in Buenos Aires 3-2 with a team made up entirely of Nacional players.

Their nickname, La Celeste (“the Sky Blue”), dates back to its first international victory in Montevideo on 15 August 1910, when it beat Argentina 3-1 in the first match in which it wore its sky-blue jersey. This kit was adopted as a national emblem in recognition of the triumph shortly before by River Plate Football Club over the powerful Alumni Athletic Club of Buenos Aires, 2-1, using those same colors.

First International Successes (1916–1924)

[edit]

Uruguay won the first two editions of the South American Championship: the first held in Buenos Aires in 1916 and the second in 1917, in Montevideo.

The Uruguayan national team became the first continental champion, finishing ahead of Argentina in the 1916 Copa América, played in Buenos Aires. The tournament had a round-robin format: a 0–0 draw against Argentina on the final match-day gave the title to La Celeste.

Uruguay also won the following 1917 Copa América, this time as hosts. Once again, the title was decided in the last round against Argentina, and Uruguay prevailed 1-0 to become champions of South America for the second consecutive time.

In 1917, Uruguay won back-to-back South American titles – this time as hosts.

In the 1919 Copa América held in Brazil, Uruguay again reached the decisive match. After drawing 2-2 against the hosts, both teams finished level on points, forcing a playoff. The playoff was won 1-0 by Brazil, who claimed their first continental title, with Uruguay finishing as runner-up.

In the 1920 Copa América held in Chile, Uruguay once again arrived at the final match on top of the standings, and defeated the hosts 2-1 to claim their third championship. Argentina’s win over Brazil on the same day proved insufficient, leaving the Argentines in second place.

In the tournaments of 1921 (Argentina) and 1922 (Brazil), Uruguay could not secure the title, finishing third in both editions: first behind champions Argentina and then behind hosts Brazil.

Uruguay's 1923 Copa America had a significant impact on global football, as they decided to enter the 1924 FIFA organized Olympics due to this result.

The Copa América returned to Uruguay in 1923 and 1924. In the 1923 edition, Uruguay and Argentina were level at the top entering the final round. Uruguay defeated their rivals 2–0 at the Gran Parque Central to take the title. In 1924, a 0-0 draw with Argentina on the last match-day was enough for Uruguay to be crowned champions once again, thanks to having more wins in the tournament.

Golden Era: Olympic Games and the First World Cup (1924–1930)

[edit]
1924 – Uruguay performed football's first Lap of Honour in France after beating Switzerland 3-0 to become the sport's first world champions.
1928 – Uruguay beat Argentina in Amsterdam to claim back-to-back FIFA world championships.

Uruguay was the first South American country to participate in the Olympic football tournaments. Their debut was at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they defeated Switzerland 3-0 in the final to claim FIFA's first recognized non-amateur world championship. Uruguay returned in 1928, this time alongside Argentina (winners of the 1927 Copa América). Both reached the final, with Uruguay prevailing 2-1 in a replay after drawing the initial match 1-1. The expectation for this final was so high that reportedly over 500,000 tickets were demanded across Europe.

The Uruguayan national team dazzled Europe with its Olympic performances, earning admiration and respect worldwide. These triumphs elevated South American football to global prominence at a time when the continent was still largely ignored in international sport. The Olympic tournaments of 1924 and 1928 were the only editions officially recognized by FIFA as world championships. This is why Uruguay is allowed to display four stars on its football crest, despite having won the FIFA World Cup twice (in 1930 and 1950).

In terms of continental success during this period, Uruguay won the 1926 Copa América in Chile. They did not participate in the 1925 Copa América in Argentina (won by the hosts), finished as runners-up behind Argentina in 1927, and placed third in 1929.

Inaugural 1930 World Cup

[edit]

Uruguay proposed hosting the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, and FIFA granted the country the right to organize it in commemoration of the centenary of the Jura de la Constitución (Uruguayan Constitution), in addition to its world titles at the Olympics. In Europe, this decision was met with disapproval, with arguments that the tournament should be held there, particularly in England, the birthplace of football and its subsequent development. There were also complaints about the long journey and high costs involved in traveling to South America.

However, despite the Uruguayan government offering to cover all expenses, many European nations still declined to participate. FIFA ignored these complaints, reasoning that the continent was still reeling from World War I, while Uruguay enjoyed peace and economic stability. Thus, the first World Cup was held in Uruguay.

The opening matches of the tournament were France vs. Mexico and United States vs. Belgium, both played on July 13 at 15:00. In the France–Mexico game, Lucien Laurent scored after 19 minutes, recording the first goal in World Cup history.

The Estadio Centenario in Montevideo – declared by FIFA as the first Historical Monument of World Football, to this day the only building to achieve this recognition worldwide.

Uruguay, considered the strongest team due to its Olympic titles in 1924 and 1928, made its debut on July 18 at the new Estadio Centenario before about 50,000 spectators against Peru. In a lackluster performance, Uruguay won 1-0 with a goal from Héctor Castro, drawing some criticism from the press.

In its next match on July 21, Uruguay defeated Romania 4-0, with goals from Pablo Dorado, Héctor Scarone, Pedro Cea, and Santos Iriarte, advancing to the semi-finals.

There, the Celeste faced Yugoslavia (a nation that no longer exists) and won convincingly 6-1, with a hat-trick from Cea, a brace from Santos Anselmo, and one from Iriarte, securing their place in the final.

1930 – Uruguay became the first and only nation in history to win three consecutive FIFA world titles after winning the inaugural World Cup

In the decisive match, played on July 30 before 70,000 spectators, Uruguay once again met their great rivals, Argentina, who were also considered favourites. Leading up to the match, tensions were high, with reports that Uruguayans disrupted Argentina’s training sessions throughout the tournament.

In the final itself, Dorado gave Uruguay the lead after 12 minutes, but Argentina responded with goals from Carlos Peucelle (20’) and Guillermo Stábile (37’), taking a 2-1 advantage into halftime. In the second half, Uruguay came out determined: Cea equalized at 57’, Iriarte put them ahead at 68’, and Castro sealed the 4-2 victory at 89’.

1935 – Uruguay famously wore red in the South American championship final vs. Argentina in Lima, Peru. La Celeste won 3-0 to claim a much celebrated title.

With that result, Uruguay became the first ever World Cup champion in history, and claimed their third consecutive title.

1940s–1960s

[edit]
The team that beat Brazil in the decisive match to win the 1950 FIFA World Cup

In the 1940s, Uruguay achieved early success in a decade largely dominated by Argentina by winning their eighth South American championship in 1942. As the World Cup was not being played, this championship became the priority.

1950 World Cup winning captain, Obdulio Varela

In 1950, Uruguay re-entered the World Cup for the first time since 1930. This time, La Celeste would enter a final-group where they would draw Spain 2–2 and beat Sweden 3–2 en route to the final match against hosts Brazil. On 16 July 1950, Uruguay claimed their second FIFA World Cup and fourth senior world title when they beat Brazil 2–1 from behind in an iconic match known as the Maracanazo in front of a record crowd of 173,850. Historical estimates indicate that the crowd reached well over 200,000.[22] This feat became an integral part of Uruguay's football identity and a source of inspiration for upcoming footballers with each passing generation.

1954 – Uruguay vs. Hungary was later dubbed "Match of the Century" by English magazine Four-Four-Two, and is often referenced as one of the greatest World Cup matches of all-time.

In the 1954 World Cup, Uruguay reached the semi-finals for the fourth time after defeating Czechoslovakia, Scotland and England. The semi-final against Hungary is considered one of the best matches in World Cup history, as La Celeste dramatically equalised 2–2 late after trailing 2–0 at halftime. Uruguay would eventually lose 4–2 in extra-time in what was their first-ever loss at the global stage, a thirty year record that started in 1924.

Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify to the World Cup for the first time in the 1958 CONMEBOL qualifiers after losing 5–0 to Paraguay in Asunción. From there, Uruguay maintained a competitive generation through the 1960s and into the early 1970s with players from Nacional and Peñarol, who had won several continental and club world titles during that time. In 1962, Uruguay had a relatively poor World Cup, being eliminated in the group stage after a dramatic last match against the Soviet Union. Four years later, Uruguay reached the last eight after drawing hosts England beating France in the group stage. A controversial quarter-final loss against West Germany marred what had been seen as a positive campaign. La Celeste would end the decade winning their 11th South American championship in 1967 by beating Argentina 1–0 in Montevideo.

1970s–1980s

[edit]
1970 – Victor Esparrago's iconic last grasp header to defeat the Soviet Union and advance to their fourth World Cup semifinal.

In 1970, Uruguay advanced to their fourth World Cup semi-final in Mexico, losing to eventual winners Brazil. They would eventually be eliminated in the group stage at the 1974 World Cup, and failed to qualify for Argentina 1978.

Uruguayan football would then see a resurgence as the U-20 team won four consecutive South American titles from 1975 to 1981, as well as reaching the U-20 World Cup semi-final in 1979. The success of this young generation would bear fruit in the 1980s, which began with Uruguay winning the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup, a tournament that pitted past World Cup winners together in celebration of the tournament's 50th anniversary. Afterwards, La Celeste went on to win the 1983 and 1987 Copas America back-to-back, before losing 1–0 to hosts Brazil in 1989's decisive title match. After failing to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, in 1986, Uruguay were eliminated in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Argentina after a group stage that included West Germany, Denmark and Scotland.

1990s–2000s

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1974 – Uruguay vs. the Netherlands at the World Cup in Germany
Rodolfo Rodríguez raises the Mundialito trophy won in January 1981

In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Uruguay were eliminated in the round of 16 against the hosts 2–0 in Rome. Afterwards, Uruguay would fail to qualify for 1994 after losing 2–0 to eventual winners Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium. La Celeste would then defeated the world champions to win the 1995 Copa América in Montevideo. Later, Uruguay were eliminated from the 1998 World Cup as they finished in seventh place the first time qualifying was a round-robin tournament.

For the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Uruguay managed to advance to a final playoff round against Australia to reach the finals. La Celeste would win the decisive match 3–0 in Montevideo to qualify to their first World Cup since 1990. The campaign itself proved a frustrating affair, as Uruguay were narrowly eliminated in the last group match against Senegal after drawing them 3–3, after being down 3–0 at half-time.

The 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign saw another international playoff against Australia. This time, La Celeste were eliminated on penalties in Sydney. This loss led to a profound paradigm shift with the hiring of Oscar Tabarez as manager. From there, Uruguay would reach the semi-finals of the 2007 Copa América, and successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

1986 – Antonio Alzamendi scores Uruguay's first World Cup goal in twelve years in a 1-1 draw with eventual finalists West Germany
1987 – Uruguay beat hosts and reigning world champions Argentina, followed by Chile, to claim their 13th continental title back-to-back

2010s–2022

[edit]

In 2010, a new generation of footballers, led by Luis Suárez, Diego Forlán and Edinson Cavani, formed a team that finished fourth at the World Cup. Uruguay opened the tournament with a goalless draw against France, followed by wins against South Africa (3–0) and Mexico (1–0) respectively, finishing at the top of their group with seven points. In the second round, they played South Korea, defeating them 2–1 with Suárez scoring a brace, as Uruguay sealed a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. Against Ghana, the match finished 1–1, forcing the game into extra-time. Both sides had their chances at extra time but Suárez blocked the ball with his hand in the penalty area, earning himself a red card. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty, forcing the game to go into penalties where Uruguay would win 4–2, sending them into the last four. They played the Netherlands in the semi-finals but were beaten 3–2. In the third-place match, they played Germany, again losing 3–2. This placed Uruguay in fourth place for the tournament, their best result in 40 years. Forlán was awarded Player of the Tournament.

A year later, they won the Copa América for the first time in 16 years and broke the record for the most successful team in South America. Luis Suárez ended up as Player of the Tournament.

Uruguay was placed in Group D at the 2014 World Cup alongside Costa Rica, England, and Italy. They were upset by Costa Rica in the opening match, losing 3–1 after taking the lead in the first half. They rebounded with a 2–1 victory over England, in which Suárez scored a brace right after coming back from an injury, and a 1–0 victory over Italy, placing them second in their group and earning a spot in the last 16. During the match against Italy, forward Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on his left shoulder. Two days after the match, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee banned Suárez for nine international matches, the longest such ban in World Cup history, exceeding the eight-match ban handed to Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994.[23][24][25] Suárez was also banned from taking part in any football-related activity (including entering any stadium) for four months and fined CHF100,000 (approximately £65,700/€82,000/US$119,000).[23][24][26] In the round of 16, Uruguay played Colombia but were beaten 2–0, eliminating them from the tournament.

1995 – Uruguay won its 14th Copa America as hosts vs. reigning world champions Brazil

At the 2015 and 2016 Copa América, Uruguay, missing banned striker Luis Suárez, were eliminated in the quarter-finals and group stage respectively.

Uruguay then finished second in their qualifying campaign to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. There, they won their group after three victories, and advanced to the quarter-finals after a 2–1 win over Portugal.[27][28] However, they were eliminated 2–0 in the quarter-finals by the eventual champions France.

Diego Forlan became a global superstar during the 2000s and would later win the Golden Boot as the best player of the 2010 World Cup
2010 – Uruguay dramatically beat Ghana to reach the World Cup semifinal for the fifth time.
2011 – Luis Suarez was chosen as the Copa America's best player after La Celeste claimed their record 15th title in Buenos Aires.
2011 – Uruguay celebrates winning their 15th Copa America in Buenos Aires 3-0 vs. Paraguay

At the 2022 World Cup, Uruguay was drawn into Group H with Portugal, Ghana and South Korea. They started the tournament with a 0–0 draw against South Korea, before they fell to a 2–0 defeat to Portugal. Despite a 2–0 victory against Ghana in their final group game, Uruguay was knocked out of the tournament in the group stages for the first time since 2002, on goals scored following South Korea’s shock 2–1 win against Portugal.[29]

In 2023, Uruguay hired Marcelo Bielsa as manager. In 2024, Uruguay eliminated Brazil on route to a 3rd place finish at the Copa America hosted in the United States.

Team image

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Kits and crest

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Uruguay national football team kits.

Between 1901 and 1910, Uruguay wore a variety of different shirts during its matches. The first shirt worn was Albion F.C.'s kit, in the unofficial debut of the national team against Argentina in 1901.[30] It was followed by a variety of shirts, including a solid green one and even a shirt with the colours of the Artigas flag.

On 10 April 1910, now-defunct club River Plate defeated Argentine side Alumni 2–1. That day River Plate wore its alternate jersey, a light blue one due to the home jersey was similar to Alumni's.[31] Ricardo LeBas proposed Uruguay to wear a light blue jersey as a tribute to the victory of River Plate over Alumni. This was approved by president of the Uruguayan Association, Héctor Gómez.[32] The light blue (Celeste) jersey debuted in a Copa Lipton match against Argentina on 15 August 1910.[33]

The red shirt that was used in some previous away strips was first used at the 1935 South American championship, held in Santa Beatriz in Peru, which Uruguay won. It was not worn again (except for a 1962 FIFA World Cup match, against Colombia[34]) until 1991, when it was officially adopted as the away jersey.[35]

2014 – Luis Suarez prematurely returned from knee surgery and scored twice to eliminate England from the World Cup.
2018 – Uruguay in Sochi before facing reigning European champions Portugal, where La Celeste won 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinal.

Uruguay displays four stars in its emblem. This is unique in world football as two of the stars represent the gold medals received at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, which are the only editions recognised by FIFA as senior world championships.[36][37][38] In 2021, after a FIFA employee contacted PUMA about modifying the team's crest, FIFA reconfirmed and approved once again the use of all four stars on the shirt.[39]

1901[note 3]
1902–03[note 4]
1905–07[note 5]
1908–10[note 6]
1910–present[note 7]

Kit sponsorship

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Kit supplier Period
West Germany Adidas 1974–1982
France Le Coq Sportif 1983–1986
Germany Puma 1987–1991
Italy Ennerre 1992–1998
Uruguay Tenfield 1999–2001
Italy L-Sporto 2002–2004
Germany Uhlsport 2004–2006
Germany Jako 2006–2007
Germany Puma 2007–2023
Uruguay MGR Sport 2024
United States Nike[42] 2024–

Home stadium

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Since 1930, Uruguay have played their home games at the Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. The stadium was built as a celebration of the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and had a capacity of 90,000 when first fully opened.[43] The stadium hosted several matches in the 1930 World Cup, including the final, which was watched by a crowd of 93,000.[44]

Rivalries

[edit]

Argentina

[edit]
Main article: Argentina–Uruguay football rivalry

First played in 1902, the "Clasico de Rio de la Plata" with Argentina is the oldest international derby in world football outside of the UK. Both teams have played in historically significant matches, such as the 1928 Olympic football final and the inaugural World Cup final in 1930.

Brazil

[edit]
Main article: Brazil–Uruguay football rivalry

The rivalry with Brazil dates back to the 1916 South American Championship. Both teams have since competed in several Copa America finals and the iconic 1950 FIFA World Cup final match, where Uruguay lifted their second World Cup in front of a world record crowd at the Maracanã. The only other time they met at the World Cup was the 1970 semi-final where Brazil won 3–1 in Guadalajara. Since the 1980s, the two sides met in several title deciders, such as the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup final (won by Uruguay), and the 1983, 1989, 1995 and 1999 Copa América finals. Uruguay would win the 1983 and 1995 editions, while Brazil won in 1989 and 1999. Brazil eliminated Uruguay at the Maracanã from qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. Since the 2000s, they have met mostly in the Copa América, as well as the regularly scheduled World Cup qualifiers.

Results and fixtures

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Main article: Uruguay national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

[edit]
21 March 2026 World Cup qualification Uruguay  0–1  Argentina Montevideo, Uruguay
20:30 UTC−3 Report
  • Almada 68'
 Stadium: Estadio Centenario
Attendance: 55,000
Referee: Juan Gabriel Benítez (Paraguay)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Bolivia  0–0  Uruguay El Alto, Bolivia
16:00 UTC−4 Report Stadium: Estadio Municipal de El Alto
Attendance: 10,723
Referee: Augusto Aragón (Ecuador)
5 June 2026 World Cup qualification Paraguay  2–0  Uruguay Asunción, Paraguay
20:00 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Attendance: 30,005
Referee: Darío Herrera (Argentina)
10 June 2026 World Cup qualification Uruguay  2–0  Venezuela Montevideo, Uruguay
20:00 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Centenario
Attendance: 29,672
Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
4 September 2026 World Cup qualification Uruguay  3–0  Peru Montevideo, Uruguay
20:30 UTC−3
Report Stadium: Estadio Centenario
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
9 September 2026 World Cup qualification Chile  0–0  Uruguay Santiago, Chile
20:30 UTC−3 Report Stadium: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Referee: Anderson Daronco (Brazil)
10 October Friendly Uruguay  1–0  Dominican Republic Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
20:45 UTC+8
Report Stadium: Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Attendance: 7,777
Referee: Razlan Joffri Ali (Malaysia)
13 October Friendly Uzbekistan  1–2  Uruguay Malacca City, Malaysia
20:45 UTC+8
Report
Stadium: Hang Jebat Stadium
Referee: Muhammad Kamaruzaman (Malaysia)
15 November Friendly Mexico  0–0  Uruguay Torreón, Mexico
19:00 UTC−6 Report Stadium: Estadio Corona
Referee: Fernando Morón (Panama)
18 November Friendly United States  5–1  Uruguay Tampa, United States
19:00 UTC−5
Report
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
Referee: Julio Luna (Guatemala)

2026

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27 March Friendly England  v  Uruguay London, England
19:45 UTC+0 Stadium: Wembley Stadium
June Friendly Uruguay  v  Indonesia United States
--:-- 
15 June 2026 World Cup GS Saudi Arabia  v  Uruguay Miami Gardens, United States
18:00 UTC−4 Report Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
21 June 2026 World Cup GS Uruguay  v  Cape Verde Miami Gardens, United States
18:00 UTC−4 Report Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
26 June 2026 World Cup GS Uruguay  v  Spain Zapopan, Mexico
18:00 UTC−6 Report Stadium: Estadio Akron

Coaching staff

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Current personnel

[edit]
As of 13 October 2025[45]
Position Name
Head coach Argentina Marcelo Bielsa
Assistant coaches Argentina Pablo Quiroga
Chile Diego Reyes
Goalkeeping coach Uruguay Enzo Ferrari

Coaching history

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following 28 players were called up for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States, respectively on 15 and 18 November 2025.[47]
Caps and goals correct as of 18 November 2025, after the match against United States.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Cristopher Fiermarin (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 28) 2 0 Argentine Football Association Defensa y Justicia
12 1GK Kevin Martínez (2005-01-27) 27 January 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Uruguayan Football Association Danubio
23 1GK Santiago Mele (1997-09-06) 6 September 1997 (age 28) 8 0 Mexican Football Federation Monterrey
2 2DF José María Giménez (captain) (1995-01-20) 20 January 1995 (age 31) 97 8 Royal Spanish Football Federation Atlético Madrid
3 2DF Santiago Bueno (1998-11-09) 9 November 1998 (age 27) 8 0 The Football Association Wolverhampton Wanderers
4 2DF Ronald Araújo (1999-03-07) 7 March 1999 (age 26) 25 1 Royal Spanish Football Federation Barcelona
13 2DF Guillermo Varela (1993-03-24) 24 March 1993 (age 32) 26 0 Brazilian Football Confederation Flamengo
16 2DF Mathías Olivera (1997-10-31) 31 October 1997 (age 28) 33 2 Italian Football Federation Napoli
17 2DF Matías Viña (1997-11-09) 9 November 1997 (age 28) 43 1 Argentine Football Association River Plate
22 2DF Joaquín Piquerez (1998-08-24) 24 August 1998 (age 27) 18 0 Brazilian Football Confederation Palmeiras
2DF Sebastián Cáceres (1999-08-18) 18 August 1999 (age 26) 23 0 Mexican Football Federation América
2DF José Luis Rodríguez (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 28) 5 0 Brazilian Football Confederation Vasco da Gama
5 3MF Manuel Ugarte (2001-04-11) 11 April 2001 (age 24) 34 1 The Football Association Manchester United
6 3MF Rodrigo Bentancur (1997-06-25) 25 June 1997 (age 28) 74 3 The Football Association Tottenham Hotspur
8 3MF Nahitan Nández (1995-12-28) 28 December 1995 (age 30) 72 0 Saudi Arabian Football Federation Al-Qadsiah
10 3MF Giorgian de Arrascaeta (1994-06-01) 1 June 1994 (age 31) 58 13 Brazilian Football Confederation Flamengo
14 3MF Rodrigo Zalazar (1999-08-12) 12 August 1999 (age 26) 8 2 Portuguese Football Federation Braga
15 3MF Emiliano Martínez (1999-08-17) 17 August 1999 (age 26) 8 0 Brazilian Football Confederation Palmeiras
20 3MF Maximiliano Araújo (2000-02-15) 15 February 2000 (age 26) 26 3 Portuguese Football Federation Sporting CP
25 3MF Juan Manuel Sanabria (2000-03-29) 29 March 2000 (age 25) 3 1 United States Soccer Federation Real Salt Lake
3MF Santiago Homenchenko (2003-08-30) 30 August 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Mexican Football Federation Querétaro
7 4FW Rodrigo Aguirre (1994-10-01) 1 October 1994 (age 31) 9 3 Mexican Football Federation UANL
9 4FW Federico Viñas (1998-06-30) 30 June 1998 (age 27) 9 2 Royal Spanish Football Federation Oviedo
18 4FW Brian Rodríguez (2000-05-20) 20 May 2000 (age 25) 31 4 Mexican Football Federation América
19 4FW Luciano Rodríguez (2003-07-16) 16 July 2003 (age 22) 5 0 Saudi Arabian Football Federation Neom
21 4FW Facundo Torres (2000-04-13) 13 April 2000 (age 25) 23 2 United States Soccer Federation Austin FC
4FW Facundo Pellistri (2001-12-20) 20 December 2001 (age 24) 37 2 Hellenic Football Federation Panathinaikos
4FW Ignacio Laquintana (1999-02-01) 1 February 1999 (age 27) 2 1 Royal Spanish Football Federation Huesca

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have also been called up to the Uruguay squad in the past twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Franco Israel (2000-04-22) 22 April 2000 (age 25) 3 0 Italy Torino v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
GK Paulo da Costa (2008-06-13) 13 June 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Uruguay Peñarol v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
GK Sergio Rochet (1993-03-23) 23 March 1993 (age 32) 34 0 Brazil Internacional v.  Chile, 9 September 2025
DF Marcelo Saracchi (1998-04-23) 23 April 1998 (age 27) 11 0 Scotland Celtic v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
DF Nicolás Marichal (2001-03-17) 17 March 2001 (age 24) 5 0 Russia Dynamo Moscow v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
DF Kevin Amaro (2004-03-03) 3 March 2004 (age 21) 3 0 Uruguay Liverpool Montevideo v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
DF Santiago Mouriño (2002-02-13) 13 February 2002 (age 24) 1 0 Spain Villarreal v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
DF Brian Barboza (2008-05-14) 14 May 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Uruguay Peñarol v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
DF Lucas Agazzi (2005-05-02) 2 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Uruguay Defensor Sporting v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
DF Paolo Calione (2006-05-22) 22 May 2006 (age 19) 0 0 Uruguay Nacional v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
DF Patricio Pacífico (2006-04-08) 8 April 2006 (age 19) 0 0 Spain Barcelona B v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
MF Nicolás Fonseca (1998-10-19) 19 October 1998 (age 27) 7 0 Spain Oviedo v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
MF Julio Daguer (2008-02-22) 22 February 2008 (age 17) 1 0 Uruguay Peñarol v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
MF Pablo Alcoba (2008-11-10) 10 November 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Uruguay Albion v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
MF Luciano González (2008-03-07) 7 March 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Uruguay Nacional v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
MF Federico Valverde (vice-captain) (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 27) 71 8 Spain Real Madrid v.  Chile, 9 September 2025
MF Lucas Torreira (1996-02-11) 11 February 1996 (age 30) 40 0 Turkey Galatasaray v.  Venezuela, 10 June 2025
MF Nicolás de la Cruz (1997-06-01) 1 June 1997 (age 28) 33 5 Brazil Flamengo v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
MF Germán Barbas (2007-09-17) 17 September 2007 (age 18) 0 0 Uruguay Peñarol v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
MF Erico Cuello (2005-05-25) 25 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Uruguay Defensor Sporting v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
FW Nicolás Azambuja (2008-03-28) 28 March 2008 (age 17) 0 0 Uruguay Danubio v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
FW Facundo Martínez (2008-02-04) 4 February 2008 (age 18) 0 0 Uruguay Montevideo City Torque v.  Uzbekistan, 13 October 2025
FW Agustín Álvarez (2001-05-19) 19 May 2001 (age 24) 6 1 Italy Monza v.  Dominican Republic, 10 October 2025
FW Darwin Núñez (1999-06-24) 24 June 1999 (age 26) 36 13 Saudi Arabia Al-Hilal v.  Chile, 9 September 2025
FW Cristian Olivera (2002-04-17) 17 April 2002 (age 23) 13 0 Brazil Grêmio v.  Chile, 9 September 2025
FW Joaquín Lavega (2005-02-03) 3 February 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Brazil Fluminense v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
FW Pablo Suárez (2005-11-14) 14 November 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Uruguay Montevideo Wanderers v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2025
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE = Preliminary squad
  • RET = Retired from the national team
  • SUS = Serving suspension
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Individual records

[edit]
Main article: List of Uruguay international footballers
As of 15 November 2025, after the match against Mexico.[48]
Players in bold are still active with Uruguay.

Most appearances

[edit]
Diego Godín is Uruguay's most capped player with 161 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Diego Godín 161 8 2005–2022
2 Luis Suárez 143 69 2007–2024
3 Edinson Cavani 136 58 2008–2022
4 Fernando Muslera 133 0 2009–2022
5 Maxi Pereira 125 3 2005–2018
6 Martín Cáceres 116 4 2007–2022
7 Diego Forlán 112 36 2002–2014
8 Cristian Rodríguez 110 11 2003–2018
9 José María Giménez 97 8 2013–present
10 Diego Lugano 95 9 2003–2014

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Luis Suárez is Uruguay's top scorer with 69 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Luis Suárez (list) 69 143 0.48 2007–2024
2 Edinson Cavani 58 136 0.43 2008–2022
3 Diego Forlán 36 112 0.32 2002–2014
4 Héctor Scarone 31 51 0.61 1917–1930
5 Ángel Romano 28 69 0.41 1913–1927
6 Óscar Míguez 27 39 0.69 1950–1958
7 Sebastián Abreu 26 70 0.37 1996–2012
8 Pedro Petrone 24 28 0.86 1923–1930
9 Fernando Morena 22 53 0.42 1971–1983
Carlos Aguilera 22 64 0.34 1982–1997

Competitive record

[edit]
Main article: Uruguay national football team records and statistics

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Main article: Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place     Fourth place      Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 15 3 Squad Qualified as hosts
Italy 1934 Refused to participate Qualified as defending champions
France 1938 Refused to participate
Brazil 1950 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 15 5 Squad Qualified automatically
Switzerland 1954 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 18 7 Squad Qualified as defending champions
Sweden 1958 Did not qualify 2nd 4 2 1 1 4 6
Chile 1962 Group stage 13th 3 1 0 2 4 6 Squad 1st 2 1 1 0 3 2
England 1966 Quarter-finals 7th 4 1 2 1 2 5 Squad 1st 4 4 0 0 11 2
Mexico 1970 Fourth place 4th 6 2 1 3 4 5 Squad 1st 4 3 1 0 5 0
West Germany 1974 Group stage 13th 3 0 1 2 1 6 Squad 1st 4 2 1 1 6 2
Argentina 1978 Did not qualify 2nd 4 1 2 1 5 4
Spain 1982 2nd 4 1 2 1 5 5
Mexico 1986 Round of 16 16th 4 0 2 2 2 8 Squad 1st 4 3 0 1 6 4
Italy 1990 16th 4 1 1 2 2 5 Squad 1st 4 3 0 1 7 2
United States 1994 Did not qualify 3rd 8 4 2 2 10 7
France 1998 7th 16 6 3 7 18 21
South Korea Japan 2002 Group stage 26th 3 0 2 1 4 5 Squad 5th 20 8 6 6 22 14
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 5th 20 7 7 6 24 29
South Africa 2010 Fourth place 4th 7 3 2 2 11 8 Squad 5th 20 7 7 6 30 21
Brazil 2014 Round of 16 12th 4 2 0 2 4 6 Squad 5th 18 8 5 5 30 25
Russia 2018 Quarter-finals 5th 5 4 0 1 7 3 Squad 2nd 18 9 4 5 32 20
Qatar 2022 Group stage 20th 3 1 1 1 2 2 Squad 3rd 18 8 4 6 22 22
Canada Mexico United States 2026 Qualified 4th 18 7 7 4 22 12
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 Qualified as commemorative match hosts Qualified as commemorative match hosts
Saudi Arabia 2034 To be determined To be determined
Total 2 Titles 15/23 59 26 13 20 91 74 — — 190 84 53 53 262 198
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Copa América

[edit]
Main article: Uruguay at the Copa América
South American Championship / Copa América record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Argentina 1916 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 6 1 Squad
Uruguay 1917 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 9 0 Squad
Brazil 1919 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 1 1 7 5 Squad
Chile 1920 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 9 2 Squad
Argentina 1921 Third place 3rd 3 1 0 2 3 4 Squad
Brazil 1922 Third place 3rd 4 2 1 1 3 1 Squad
Uruguay 1923 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 6 1 Squad
Uruguay 1924 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 8 1 Squad
Argentina 1925 Withdrew
Chile 1926 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 17 2 Squad
Peru 1927 Runners-up 2nd 3 2 0 1 15 3 Squad
Argentina 1929 Third place 3rd 3 1 0 2 4 6 Squad
Peru 1935 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 6 1 Squad
Argentina 1937 Third place 3rd 5 2 0 3 11 14 Squad
Peru 1939 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 13 5 Squad
Chile 1941 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 10 1 Squad
Uruguay 1942 Champions 1st 6 6 0 0 21 2 Squad
Chile 1945 Fourth place 4th 6 3 0 3 14 6 Squad
Argentina 1946 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 11 9 Squad
Ecuador 1947 Third place 3rd 7 5 0 2 21 8 Squad
Brazil 1949 Sixth place 6th 7 2 1 4 14 20 Squad
Peru 1953 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 15 6 Squad
Chile 1955 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 12 12 Squad
Uruguay 1956 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 9 3 Squad
Peru 1957 Third place 3rd 6 4 0 2 15 12 Squad
Argentina 1959 Sixth place 6th 6 2 0 4 15 14 Squad
Ecuador 1959 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 13 1 Squad
Bolivia 1963 Withdrew
Uruguay 1967 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 13 2 Squad
1975 Semifinals 3rd 2 1 0 1 1 3 Squad
1979 Group stage 6th 4 1 2 1 5 5 Squad
1983 Champions 1st 8 5 2 1 12 6 Squad
Argentina 1987 Champions 1st 2 2 0 0 2 0 Squad
Brazil 1989 Runners-up 2nd 7 4 0 3 11 3 Squad
Chile 1991 Group stage 5th 4 1 3 0 4 3 Squad
Ecuador 1993 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 2 1 5 5 Squad
Uruguay 1995 Champions 1st 6 4 2 0 11 4 Squad
Bolivia 1997 Group stage 9th 3 1 0 2 2 2 Squad
Paraguay 1999 Runners-up 2nd 6 1 2 3 4 9 Squad
Colombia 2001 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 7 7 Squad
Peru 2004 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 12 10 Squad
Venezuela 2007 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 8 9 Squad
Argentina 2011 Champions 1st 6 3 3 0 9 3 Squad
Chile 2015 Quarter-finals 7th 4 1 1 2 2 3 Squad
United States 2016 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 4 Squad
Brazil 2019 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 2 0 7 2 Squad
Brazil 2021 5th 5 2 2 1 4 2 Squad
United States 2024 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 11 4 Squad
Total 15 Title 46/48 212 115 40 57 421 226 —

CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions

[edit]
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
France 1985 Runners-up 2nd 1 0 0 1 0 2
Argentina 1993 Did not qualify
England 2022
Total Runners-up 1/3 1 0 0 1 0 2

FIFA Confederations Cup

[edit]
FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Saudi Arabia 1992 Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1995
Saudi Arabia 1997 Fourth place 4th 5 3 0 2 8 6 Squad
Mexico 1999 Did not qualify
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009
Brazil 2013 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 14 7 Squad
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 2/10 10 5 1 4 22 13 —

Olympic Games

[edit]
Olympic Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
France 1900 Only club teams participated
United States 1904
United Kingdom 1908 Not an IOC member
Sweden 1912
Belgium 1920
France 1924 Gold medal 1st 5 5 0 0 20 2 Squad
Netherlands 1928 Gold medal 1st 5 4 1 0 12 5 Squad
Nazi Germany 1936 Withdrew[49]
United Kingdom 1948 Did not participate
Finland 1952
Australia 1956
Italy 1960 Did not qualify
Japan 1964
Mexico 1968
West Germany 1972
Canada 1976 Withdrew[50]
Soviet Union 1980 Did not qualify
United States 1984
South Korea 1988
Since 1992 See Uruguay national under-23 football team
Total 2 Gold medals 2/14 10 9 1 0 32 7 —

Pan American Games

[edit]
Pan American Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Argentina 1951 Did not participate
Mexico 1955
United States 1959
Brazil 1963 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 4 6
Canada 1967 Did not participate
Colombia 1971
Mexico 1975 Preliminary round 11th 2 0 1 1 1 2
Puerto Rico 1979 Did not enter
Venezuela 1983 Gold medal 1st 4 4 0 0 5 1
United States 1987 Did not participate
Cuba 1991
Argentina 1995
Since 1999 See Uruguay national under-23 football team
Total 1 Gold medal 3/12 10 5 1 4 10 9

Head-to-head record

[edit]

Below is a list of all matches Uruguay have played against FIFA recognised teams.[51] Updated as of 18 November 2025.

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

  1. ^ Includes matches against Czechoslovakia.
  2. ^ Includes matches against West Germany.
  3. ^ Includes matches against the Soviet Union.
  4. ^ Includes matches against Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro.

Honours

[edit]

Global

[edit]

Intercontinental

[edit]

Continental

[edit]

Friendly

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Summary

[edit]
Competition 1st place, gold medalist(s) 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Total
FIFA World Cup 2 0 0 2
Olympic Games 2 0 0 2
CONMEBOL Copa América 15 6 10 31
Panamerican Championship1 0 0 1 1
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions 0 1 0 1
Total 19 7 11 37
Notes
  1. Official continental competition organized by PFC. It was a unified confederation of the Americas, which was formed by NAFC, CCCF and CONMEBOL.
  • s Shared titles.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Although the first match recorded by both Argentina and Uruguay was played on 16 May 1901, this is not considered an official game due to the match not being organized by Uruguay's Football Association but by Albion FC on its home field in Paso del Molino.[2][3][4][5]
  2. ^ Only the 1924 and 1928 editions are senior world titles equivalent to a World Cup.[6] After the World Cup was established, football at the Olympics returned to amateur players only [7][8], like it was prior to 1924. Since the 1992 edition, the tournament was restricted to squads with no more than 3 players over the age of 23, and these matches are not regarded as part of the senior national team's record, nor are senior national team caps awarded, it’s part of the Uruguay U23.
  3. ^ Albion F.C. shirt worn in the first match (unofficial) vs. Argentina due to the most part of the players were from that club.[2]
  4. ^ Shirt worn in the first official match ever,[40] vs. Argentina in Montevideo in 1902,[30] also worn in a second game in Buenos Aires, 1903.[41]
  5. ^ Model based on the Artigas flag. This uniform was worn (at least) by a Uruguay representatives (Liga Uruguaya v South Africa[30] and Copa Lipton matches 1905–07).[41]
  6. ^ Worn (at least) in the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo in 1910.
  7. ^ Worn by first time in a Copa Lipton match on 15 August 1910.[32][31]
  8. ^ Extra edition

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b ""Historia del Fútbol Uruguayo" at Deportes en Uruguay". Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  3. ^ Historias, curiosidades y estadísticas de la Selección, tras sus "primeros" 900 partidos Archived 16 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine, El Gráfico, 4 July 2012
  4. ^ Argentina national team archive Archived 20 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine on the RSSSF
  5. ^ Uruguay - international results Archived 30 April 2004 at the Wayback Machine on the RSSSF
  6. ^ "Official FIFA World Cup Origin document" (PDF). fifa.com (archive). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Football at the 1936 Berlin Summer Games". sports-reference.com (archive). Archived from the original on 17 April 2020.
  8. ^ "FIFA describes each Olympic Football tournament". fifa.com (archive). Archived from the original on 15 July 2014.
  9. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  10. ^ "How Uruguay became football's first global powerhouse". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
  11. ^ "Official FIFA World Cup Origin document" (PDF). fifa.com (archive). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2014.
  12. ^ Mehrish, Akshat (12 February 2023). "The stars that adorn La Celeste: Why Uruguay display four flourishes on their crest". FIFA.com.
  13. ^ Polémica olímpica y mundial: ¿por qué Uruguay tiene cuatro estrellas en su camiseta? on ESPN.com.ar, 19 Jul 2024
  14. ^ "Uruguay's 4 Stars". UruguayFootyHistory. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  15. ^ Plata en el fútbol on El Gráfico
  16. ^ La primera final de la Copa del Mundo, El Gráfico, 30 Jul 2022
  17. ^ Ritchie, Calum (1 June 2024). "The 10 most successful nations in football history ranked by major trophies won". GiveMeSport. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  18. ^ "Uruguay national football team: FIFA ranking". 11v11. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  19. ^ "Elo ratings table". International Football. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  20. ^ "FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 – News – Brazil & Uruguay, a rivalry with history – FIFA.com". FIFA. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  21. ^ "FIFA President Joao Havelange on the 1980-81 World Champions Gold Cup | 4 Stars - Media Archive". UruguayFootyHistory. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  22. ^ "A 69 años del Maracanazo, la hazaña que nunca más será igualada". EL PAIS. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  23. ^ a b De Menezes, Jack (26 June 2014). "Luis Suarez banned: Fifa hand striker record nine-game ban AND a four month football ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini in biggest ever World Cup suspension". The Independent. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  24. ^ a b "Luis Suárez banned for four months for biting in World Cup game". The Guardian. 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 6 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  25. ^ "FIFA Suspends and Fines Suarez for 9 Games and 4 Months After Biting Player". ABC News. 26 June 2014.
  26. ^ "Luis Suárez suspended for nine matches and banned for four months from any football-related activity". FIFA. 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 3 July 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  27. ^ "Uruguay beat ten-man Russia to win Group A". Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  28. ^ "Uruguay beats Portugal to end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup run". CNN. 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  29. ^ "Uruguay beats Ghana in grudge rematch but is eliminated from World Cup after South Korea shocks Portugal". CNN. 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  30. ^ a b c Así ha evolucionado la camiseta de la Selección Uruguaya Archived 13 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine on MKT Registrado, 11 April 2018
  31. ^ a b 100 años de la camiseta celeste Archived 13 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine on El Observador, 11 April 2011
  32. ^ a b La historia de la Celeste Archived 8 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine on Montevideo Wanderers website
  33. ^ Origen de la camiseta celeste Archived 13 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine on Montevideo Antiguo
  34. ^ ""Historical football kits: 1962 World Cup" at Historical Kits website". Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  35. ^ ""Camisetas alternativas", La Selección website". Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  36. ^ Perez, Alvaro. "No doubts exist. Uruguay are four time FIFA World Champions". La Celeste Blog. Archived from the original on 15 March 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2020. ; citing the book 100 Años de Gloria: La Verdadera history del Futbol Uruguayo
  37. ^ "FIFA InfoPlus: Early years 1924 - 1930" (PDF). FIFA.com. FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 November 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  38. ^ Orígenes de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2012.
  39. ^ "FIFA confirms the use of all 4 stars". El Observador. 30 September 2021.
  40. ^ "Historias, curiosidades y estadísticas de la Selección, tras sus "primeros" 900 partidos" Archived 29 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine, El Gráfico, 4 July 2012
  41. ^ a b Argentina y Uruguay history Archived 13 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine on Viejos Estadios website
  42. ^ "La selección uruguaya vestirá Nike en la CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 - AUF" [The Uruguayan team will wear Nike in the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024]. AUF. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  43. ^ David Goldblatt (2008). The Ball Is Round: A Global History of Soccer. Penguin. p. 249. ISBN 978-1-59448-296-0.
  44. ^ FIFA World Cup Origin Archived 25 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, FIFA Media Release. Retrieved on 16 October 2006.
  45. ^ @Uruguay (13 October 2025). "Más información del plantel que tendrá a disposición Bielsa frente a Uzbekistán hoy" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ^ "Oscar Tabárez Uruguay's national team manager achieves world record". Marcapais Uruguay. 22 November 2016.
  47. ^ "Selección uruguaya: Homenchenko es la sorpresa en la lista de convocados por Bielsa" (in Spanish). 10 November 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  48. ^ "Uruguay – Record International Players". Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  49. ^ "Southamerican Championship 1935". RSSSF. 23 November 2007. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  50. ^ "Games of the XXI. Olympiad – Football Qualifying Tournament". RSSSF. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  51. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings: Uruguay".
  52. ^ "Copa Círculo de la Prensa". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  53. ^ "Copa Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  54. ^ "Copa Confraternidad Rioplatense". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  55. ^ "Copa Juan Pinto Durán". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  56. ^ "Copa Artigas". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  57. ^ Roy, Abhishek (14 August 2007). "Revisiting some of the memorable moments of the Nehru Cup". TwoCircles.net. IANS. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  58. ^ "Uruguay 2 vs 0 Inglaterra" (in Spanish). AUF Sitio Web Oficial. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  59. ^ "Miami Cup 1986". RSSSF. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  60. ^ "La Copa Juan Parra del Riego" (in Spanish). LaRed21. 31 May 2004. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  61. ^ "Copa Ministerio de Vivienda". RSSSF. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  62. ^ "Uruguay national football team 'A' international record: Tiger Beer Challenge Trophy 2002". 11v11.com. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  63. ^ "Fútbol: Uruguay alza Copa 'Confraternidad Antel' ante Holanda" (in Spanish). UPI Español. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
[edit]
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