Fernando Muslera, the legendary goalkeeper of the Uruguay national team, has reached the 2026 Copa Libertadores final. The 40-year-old shot-stopper was decisive in the semi-final, saving three penalties for Estudiantes de La Plata as they defeated Flamengo in a shootout at the Maracanã. This will be Muslera's first Libertadores final, fifteen years after he lifted the Copa América with Uruguay.

Muslera, who has 137 caps for La Celeste, was the starting goalkeeper in their 2011 continental triumph. In that final at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Uruguay beat Paraguay 3-0. His international career includes 47 World Cup qualifying appearances, 22 in the Copa América, 19 in World Cups, and 4 in the Confederations Cup. After nearly two decades in Europe with Lazio and Galatasaray, he returned to South America this year to join Estudiantes.

A golden opportunity

The qualification came in a thrilling match. Muslera had already denied Gonzalo Plata in the 87th minute before the penalty shootout. In the decider, his experience was key to frustrating the Brazilian side. "Football always gives you another chance," the goalkeeper said after the victory. "It makes me happy and very proud." The final will be played on November 28 at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, an iconic venue for Uruguayan football.

While Muslera prepares for this club milestone, the Uruguay national team is in positive form. Under the current coaching staff, the side is on a two-game winning run, including a commanding 6-1 friendly win over India on October 6. Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araujo and Rodrigo Zalazar were among the scorers in that match. La Celeste also beat South Korea 4-1, though they fell 3-1 to Japan in their last preparation cycle.

Uruguay's next fixture is a high-voltage match against Argentina, away on November 13. In the last meeting, in March 2025, Argentina won 1-0. With Muslera proving that experience is invaluable, La Celeste looks to the future with a blend of goalkeeping wisdom and attacking youth, aiming to consolidate their good form ahead of upcoming challenges.

First reported at copaamerica.com