The Uruguay national football team, La Celeste, has announced its squad for the upcoming friendly match against India. New head coach Diego Forlán revealed the list on September 5.

The match is set for October 6 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. This fixture falls within the September-October FIFA international window. Forlán, a Uruguayan football legend with 112 caps and 36 goals for his country, takes charge of the senior and Under-20 sides. His immediate task is to revitalize the team after a challenging start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where they currently sit third with 2 points from three games (0 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss).

Which star players are in the squad?

The squad named by Forlán is extensive and packed with talent. Goalkeepers include Santiago Mele (Junior), Cristopher Fiermarín (Defensa y Justicia), and Ignacio de Arruabarrena (Arouca). The defense is led by Barcelona's Ronald Araújo and Atlético Madrid's José María Giménez, alongside players like Nahitan Nández (Al-Qadsiah) and Mathías Olivera (Napoli).

The midfield is one of the squad's strongest areas. Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur, and Galatasaray's experienced Lucas Torreira are all included. Creative players like Flamengo's Giorgian de Arrascaeta and youngsters such as Facundo Pellistri (Panathinaikos) and Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting CP) also feature. In attack, the main reference is Liverpool's Darwin Núñez. He is joined by Martín Satriano (Lens), Miguel Merentiel (Boca Juniors), and Álvaro Rodríguez (Getafe), among others.

What is Uruguay's current situation?

The squad announcement comes at a time when results are needed. La Celeste aims to change its course after a run of five matches without a win (0 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss). Their last result was a 0-1 defeat to Spain on June 27. So far this cycle, the team has scored 3 goals and conceded 4, with a -1 goal difference. The match against India will serve as preparation for the next official fixture, an away game against Japan on September 24, which you can check on our fixtures page.

What does Forlán's return mean?

Diego Forlán's arrival on the bench represents a symbolic shift. The former striker, winner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and the 2011 Copa América, knows perfectly well the pressure of wearing the sky-blue shirt. His vast experience at top clubs like Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan, plus his stint with Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC, gives him a unique perspective for this new challenge. "Now, as Uruguay’s head coach, Diego Forlán faces a new challenge as he prepares his side for the upcoming clash against India," the coach said.

His first test will be against an India side coached by Khalid Jamil. This friendly is an opportunity to test combinations and regain confidence before important World Cup qualifying matches. Fans can review the full squad list and their progress in our squad and stats sections. The match in Kolkata is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6.