The striker has been left out of Leeds United hero Bielsa's World Cup squad selection
12:52, 01 Jun 2026
Marcelo Bielsa and Luis Suarez
View Image
Marcelo Bielsa and Luis Suarez(Image: Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
Leeds United legend Marcelo Bielsa has decided to omit Luis Suarez from his Uruguay World Cup squad, despite the striker recently leaving the door open to reverse his controversial retirement.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker stepped back from Uruguay duty after claiming that Bielsa had "divided the whole group" amid discontent with his off-field management style, only a few months after a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa America.
“I said something I shouldn't have said. I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to,” Suarez told Spanish outlet EFE in May. "I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up."
However, Inter Miami star Suarez - Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals and second in the all-time appearance list with 143 caps - has not been handed a return 21 months on from his self-retirement. Though not unexpected, it means it will be the first World Cup he has missed since the 2010 finals.
Recognisable names in Bielsa’ Uruguay squad include veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, Wolves’ Stanigo Bueno, Manchester United midfielder Manural Ugarte and Spurs counterpart Rodrigo Bentancur as well as Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
Article continues below
Last month, Leeds hero Bielsa dropped a hint that he could stand down as head coach of Uruguay - who play Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain in their World Cup group - following the tournament.
"Our job ends with the World Cup,” he said. “It is a miracle in any professional’s sporting career to take part in the World Cup. I will be forever grateful to Uruguay for allowing me to enjoy a competition like the World Cup.”