Copa America 2024 Team Previews: Uruguay
The 2024 Copa America begins on June 20th in the U.S., with 10 CONMEBOL and six CONCACAF teams set to compete in the tournament. Over the next couple of weeks, we will preview every team playing in the competition. Next up is Uruguay.
Uruguay is one of the most exciting teams at this summer’s Copa. They ran Mexico off the field with a 4-0 friendly victory earlier in June and are currently sitting in second place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualification table after six games. One of the most storied soccer nations, not just in South America but in the entire world, Uruguay is looking dangerous entering the tournament and is hoping to add yet another Copa America title to its trophy case.
Copa America Appearances
This will be Uruguay’s 46th Copa America appearance. They have been to all but two Copa Americas, with the first coming in the first-ever Copa in 1917.
Best Finish in Copa America
Uruguay is tied with Argentina for the most Copa America titles at 15. The most recent title came in 2011.
Key Players
Uruguay has one of the most stacked squads at this tournament. Up front, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez has been in fine form for the national team and netted a hattrick in La Celeste’s friendly victory over Mexico. Joining him is Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez who needs no introduction. While he may not be one of the best strikers in the world like he was half a decade ago, Suárez brings vital experience and goal-scoring prowess to this Uruguay side.
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Manuel Ugarte (PSG) and Rodrigo Bentacur (Tottenham) provide La Celeste with one of the strongest midfield in the tournament. Defensively, Uruguay’s captain José Giménez (Atlético Madrid), Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) and Mathías Olivera (Napoli) form an incredibly stout backline that every opposition attack will struggle to score against. Needless to say, this Uruguay team is stacked with stars.
Manager
Marcelo Bielsa is one of the most recognizable names in the managing world. The Argentine took Leeds United back to the Premier League and managed elite clubs like Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Lazio and Lille. He also had prior international experience before taking the Uruguay job in 2023, first managing his home nation Argentina from 1998-2004 and Chile from 2007-2011. He has his Uruguay team in fine form entering the tournament, and with his managerial acumen and tactical knowledge, Uruguay has as good of a head coach as you could want at this tournament.
Biggest Game — vs the U.S. on July 1
This matchup will likely determine who wins Group C. Uruguay should pick up wins against Bolivia and Panama, as should the U.S. That leaves the final game of the group stage for both these nations as the decisive one. The U.S., despite losing 5-1 to Colombia in a pre-tournament friendly, is a very capable side. Uruguay should be favored to win that game and the group, but they need to make sure that they take care of business against a spirited American squad.
Prediction
Uruguay is one of the strongest teams in this tournament. I see La Celeste winning Group C and making a run in the knockout stage, possibly even to the final. This Uruguay team is good and no one should be surprised if they have a Copa America to remember.
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