Marcelo Bielsa has left luis suarez out of Uruguay’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the legendary striker’s realistic hopes of competing in his final international tournament. The decision, announced on May 31, 2026, marks a significant moment for both the player and the South American nation.
Suárez, who is Uruguay’s all-time leading goalscorer with 69 goals across 143 caps, was last capped in 2024. Despite making himself available for selection and scoring six goals in 11 matches for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Bielsa opted for younger attacking options: Darwin Núñez, Federico Viñas, and Rodrigo Aguirre.
Bielsa defended the decision on tactical grounds. “I have no disagreement whatsoever with Suárez. I simply opted for Darwin, Viñas, and Rodrigo Aguirre,” the Uruguay manager said, according to reporting from OnePulse. The coach emphasized that the omission was based purely on footballing needs rather than any personal dispute.
The Bielsa-Suárez Rift
The exclusion comes against the backdrop of a well-documented conflict between Suárez and Bielsa that surfaced publicly in October 2024. After retiring from international football in September 2024, Suárez went on record criticizing his former manager’s methods during the 2024 Copa América.
“During Copa América, there were situations that hurt me, which I didn’t speak about for the sake of maintaining harmony,” Suárez said, according to Sports Illustrated. He claimed Bielsa had “divided the whole group because of the way he trains,” and said he felt hurt by the culture instilled under the manager’s watch. Suárez also criticized Bielsa for not allowing team staff to mingle with players, a departure from previous practice under earlier coaches.
The New York Times reported that Suárez said he felt “hurt” by the culture under Bielsa and described problematic working conditions during the Copa América tournament. Bielsa acknowledged the impact of the criticism, telling the BBC in October 2024 that his “authority was affected” by Suárez’s public comments, though he maintained he still had the players’ support.
Despite Suárez’s later return to international football—making himself available for World Cup selection in April 2026—Bielsa ultimately decided the 39-year-old did not fit his tactical vision for the tournament. Only Diego Godín, with 161 caps, has more appearances for Uruguay than Suárez’s 143, underscoring the experience being left behind.
Bielsa’s squad includes veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, 39, who earned his 134th cap, and centre back José María Giménez, who could earn his 100th appearance. The inclusion of these experienced players alongside younger forwards suggests Bielsa is building around a core of proven performers rather than making age the deciding factor for any individual player.
Sources
- ESPN — confirmed Bielsa’s omission of Suárez, his 69-goal record, 143 caps, and his six goals in 11 MLS matches for Inter Miami
- OnePulse — provided Bielsa’s direct quote on his selection reasoning
- Sports Illustrated — reported Suárez’s October 2024 criticism of Bielsa’s methods and claims about team division
- New York Times — documented Suárez’s statement that he felt “hurt” by Bielsa’s team culture and working conditions during Copa América
- Reuters — reported Suárez’s criticism that Bielsa “divided the whole group because of the way he trains”
- BBC — reported Bielsa’s acknowledgment that his “authority was affected” by Suárez’s criticism
- FIFA — announced Bielsa’s official squad selection
