The Uruguay national football team, led by Diego Forlán, announced a preliminary 46-man squad for the September and October friendlies. The list features stars like Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez and includes a historic match against India on October 6 in Kolkata. This fixture is part of an international window where Uruguay aims to improve its form after a shaky start in World Cup qualifying, where it has 2 points from 3 games.
Who are the stars in Forlán's first squad?
New head coach Diego Forlán unveiled his first squad selection on Tuesday. The former striker, who won the Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, retained an experienced core while also introducing several new faces. Among the most prominent names are Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez.
The list, which marks the beginning of the post-Marcelo Bielsa era, also includes Rodrigo Bentancur, Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Veteran striker Luis Suárez is a notable absence. Forlán called up 20 of the 26 players who represented Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, blending experience with a view to the future. Fans can check the full squad on our squad page.
Why is the friendly against India important?
The match against India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan promises to be a major event for football in the Asian country. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invested a substantial sum to organize this high-profile window. Uruguay, a two-time world champion, is one of three 2026 World Cup participants visiting the country, alongside Brazil and Panama.
For Uruguay, this match is a vital preparation opportunity. The team needs to find better rhythm after a run of five matches without a win (0W-4D-1L). Its next competitive qualifier is an away trip to Japan on September 24, a key match to try and climb the standings, where it currently sits 5 points behind leader Spain. The full schedule of matches is available in our fixtures section.
How is India preparing to host Uruguay?
The Indian side is also preparing thoroughly for these matches. Head coach Khalid Jamil has already named his 26-man squad for the three friendlies. India, ranked 138th in the FIFA world rankings, will first face Panama on September 26, then Brazil on October 3, and finally Uruguay on October 6.
Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team, commented on the importance of these matches for local football development. Ganguly said, "It is very good for Indian football. Hopefully, this continues consistently." The former sports star emphasized that facing teams of Uruguay's caliber gives local players valuable exposure that accelerates their growth.
What is Uruguay's current competitive context?
Forlán's squad announcement comes at a time when Uruguay needs a positive reaction. Verified data as of September 5, 2026, shows a record of 3 goals scored and 4 conceded in qualifying, with a -1 goal difference. Its last result was a 1-0 defeat to Spain on June 27. The recent form of draws and only one loss in the last five games (LDDDD) indicates a team that is hard to beat but struggles to secure wins.
The immediate focus, however, is on the Asian tour. The 46-player list will be trimmed for the official matches, but it shows the depth at Forlán's disposal. The match in Kolkata is not only a friendly but a step in rebuilding the team towards its next objectives. Statistical details of the team's performance can be found on our stats page. La Celeste travels to Japan for a qualifying match on September 24.
