Uruguay have named Ronald Araujo in their squad for the September window, with the centre-back set to link up with the national team ahead of matches against Japan on 24 September, South Korea on 28 September, and India on 6 October.
The list was published by the Uruguayan federation (AUF) and confirms 33 players across four positional groups.
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Araujo comes into the squad off the back of a summer move to Liverpool, and his inclusion is no surprise given his standing as one of the first names on Marcelo Bielsa’s teamsheet whenever he’s fit.
He’s joined in central defence by José María Giménez, now at Deportivo La Coruña, and Santiago Bueno, who plays his club football at Wolverhampton.
That trio gives Bielsa three genuine options at the heart of the back line, which matters given how often Uruguay have had to reshuffle there over the past two years.
The full-back positions look well stocked too.
Mathías Olivera (Napoli) and Joaquín Piquerez (Palmeiras) provide competition on the left, while Guillermo Varela continues at right-back after another solid season with Flamengo.
Nahitan Nández, now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadisiyah, adds further depth and versatility across the back four.
In midfield, the spine remains familiar.
Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) and Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray) anchor the middle of the park, with Giorgian de Arrascaeta called up from Flamengo to add creativity further forward.
Facundo Pellistri, now at Panathinaikos, and Maximiliano Araújo of Sporting CP round out a wide group that gives Bielsa plenty of attacking width to work with.
Up top, former Liverpool man Darwin Nunez headlines the forward line despite his move to Diriyah Club in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
He’s joined by Álvaro Rodríguez, who’s had a strong start to life at Bournemouth, and Miguel Merentiel, in fine form for Boca Juniors.
Martín Satriano gets another call after his switch to Getafe.
Between the posts, Santiago Mele of Independiente leads a goalkeeping group that includes Sebastián Jaume, Ignacio de Arruabarrena and Cristopher Fiermarín, none of whom have significant senior caps yet, but all part of Bielsa’s plan to build depth in a position where Uruguay have historically relied on one or two names for a decade at a time.
The three fixtures give Bielsa a real mix of test.
Japan and South Korea both offer sharp, high-pressing football, while India presents a different tactical puzzle entirely.
For a squad this experienced, results will matter less than rhythm, minutes for the fringe players, and getting Araujo settled into a system that’s shifted since he last wore the captain’s armband.
Estos son los reservados de Diego Forlán para la Fecha FIFA de setiembre-octubre 📋 pic.twitter.com/XUYHOC0Qi8
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) September 4, 2026
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