Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa omitted the 39-year-old striker from the 55-player preliminary squad for the tournament in June.
1:47 AM
Luis Suárez has been excluded from Uruguay's preliminary roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending speculation about a potential return for the country's all-time leading goalscorer.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa did not include the 39-year-old striker in the 55-player preliminary squad announced Tuesday. The decision marks the conclusion of Suárez's international career with the Celeste, as Uruguay will compete in the tournament without him.
In the days preceding the roster announcement, Uruguayan media outlets had reported the possibility of Suárez's inclusion. Some coverage suggested Bielsa was evaluating his addition amid concerns about the forward line. Suárez, currently playing for Inter Miami, had publicly expressed his willingness to participate in what would have been his fifth World Cup.
"I would never say no to the national team if they need me," Suárez had stated regarding his desire to play in the tournament. The striker had left the door open for a return to international competition after stepping away from the squad.
The World Cup will take place from June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Bielsa's decision to exclude Suárez represents a firm conclusion to an era of Uruguayan football defined by the forward's presence in the national team.
In related news, Brazil included forward Neymar in its preliminary 55-player roster for the same tournament, keeping alive the possibility of the Santos player competing in another World Cup with the Brazilian national team.
Carlo Ancelotti named the Santos forward in Brazil's pre-list for the 2026 tournament, though his final selection remains uncertain pending fitness recovery.
The Uruguayan-born defender won four European Cups with Real Madrid between 1957 and 1966 and later managed Spain's 1982 World Cup campaign.
After Santos drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed hope to play in 2026 World Cup and dreams of a final between Brazil and Argentina.
Coach Sergej Barbarez named 26 players Monday, making Bosnia the first nation to reveal its roster for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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