Uruguay World Cup 2026 Odds, Squad & Fixtures

Uruguay World Cup 2026 betting odds

Uruguay are 100/1 to win the World Cup after a sluggish start, as our World Cup winner odds guide shows. Marcelo Bielsa’s two-time champions have drawn both games — 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with debutants Cape Verde — and sit second in Group H, the cutting edge that should match their quality still missing.

Uruguay to win the World Cup 2026 outright

At 100/1 Uruguay have drifted well down the market after two draws. The talent — Valverde, Núñez, De Arrascaeta — is there for a deep run, but they need to start turning territory into goals before anyone takes their title claims seriously.

Uruguay to win Group H odds

Top spot is a long shot at 9/1 with Spain clear on four points. The realistic target is second place, which Uruguay currently hold on goals scored ahead of Cape Verde — but the picture is tight heading into the final round.

Uruguay to qualify from Group H

At 4/6 Uruguay are favourites to go through but cannot relax. A point against Spain in the final game would likely be enough for second; defeat could leave them sweating on Cape Verde’s result against Saudi Arabia and a best third-placed berth under the 48-team format. The fitness of José María Giménez and Ronald Araújo, both injury doubts, adds to Bielsa’s concerns.

Uruguay top scorer odds

Darwin Núñez is Uruguay’s leading hope in the Golden Boot market, though it is utility man Maxi Araújo — scorer in both group games — who has led the way so far, with captain Federico Valverde another threat from midfield.

Odds correct as of 21 June 2026 and subject to change — always confirm the live price before betting. For the full outright market, group winners and golden-boot specials, see our World Cup 2026 betting hub.

World Cup 2026 group and fixtures

Uruguay are second in Group H but have yet to hit top gear. Marcelo Bielsa’s two-time champions opened their World Cup 2026 with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia and followed it with a 2-2 draw against debutants Cape Verde, leaving them on two points. They close against Spain, with the top two and the eight best third-placed sides advancing under the 48-team format.

Group H standings

Standings as of 21 June 2026 — after Matchday 2 (Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia, Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde). Spain lead the group; Uruguay sit second ahead of Cape Verde on goals scored, with Saudi Arabia bottom. Top two plus the eight best third-placed sides advance.

Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad

Bielsa’s squad mixes elite European-based talent — Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur and Darwin Núñez — with the creativity of Giorgian De Arrascaeta and the experience of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Team news: Captain Federico Valverde leads the side with José María Giménez sidelined by injury, and centre-back Ronald Araújo is also a major fitness concern. Utility man Maxi Araújo has been Uruguay’s saviour, scoring in both draws. The numbers below are the confirmed FIFA squad list.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

How Uruguay will play

Bielsa has Uruguay playing his trademark high-intensity, aggressive pressing game in a 4-4-2, looking to win the ball high and attack at speed. The fluency has been missing across two draws — twice they have needed late goals or fightbacks to take a point — and sharper finishing will be essential against Spain if they are to be sure of going through.

Predicted XI (4-4-2)

Predicted starting XI — 4-4-2, with Giménez and Ronald Araújo injury doubts. Captain: Federico Valverde.

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa

The legendary Argentine coach has reinvigorated Uruguay with his relentless, high-pressing philosophy. “El Loco” has the side playing on the front foot, and a fully firing Uruguay are a match for anyone — but two draws have shown the system still needs its cutting edge.

Captain: Federico Valverde

The Real Madrid midfielder is the modern face of Uruguayan football and now its captain, especially with Giménez sidelined. A box-to-box engine who can score from distance, Valverde is the player who drives Bielsa’s side forward.

Uruguay players to watch at World Cup 2026

Federico Valverde — Midfielder

Captain and all-action midfielder. His energy, tackling and shooting from range make him Uruguay’s most complete player and a genuine goal threat.

Darwin Núñez — Forward

The focal point of the attack and Uruguay’s leading Golden Boot hope. If his finishing matches his movement and pace, he can carry La Celeste deep into the tournament.

Maxi Araújo — Midfielder

Uruguay’s unlikely top scorer so far, on the mark in both group games. His goals have rescued points Bielsa’s side might otherwise have dropped.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta — Midfielder

The creative spark who provides the guile to unlock deep defences — exactly the quality Uruguay have missed at times in their two draws.

How Uruguay qualified for World Cup 2026

Uruguay came through the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign under Bielsa to reach a 15th World Cup, comfortably among the South American qualifiers.

Uruguay’s World Cup history

Uruguay are two-time world champions — hosts and winners of the inaugural tournament in 1930, and famous victors at the Maracanã in 1950. More recently they reached the semi-finals in 2010, and their proud tournament heritage makes them dangerous regardless of their odds.

Head-to-head record

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia

The 1-1 draw in Miami was a frustrating start — Abdulelah Al-Amri put Saudi Arabia ahead and, with Al-Owais inspired in goal, Uruguay needed Maxi Araújo’s late equaliser to rescue a point.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde

The 2-2 draw in Miami was another stumble — Cape Verde twice led through Kevin Pina and Hélio Varela, and Uruguay needed Maxi Araújo and a stoppage-time Agustín Canobbio strike to salvage a point.

Uruguay vs Spain

Uruguay close against the European champions in Zapopan — historically Spain have never beaten Uruguay, and the group finale could shape both sides’ route through the knockouts.

Responsible gambling

Odds in this article are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Always check the latest prices on the bookmaker’s site before placing a bet.

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