Valverde, Nunez, Araujo named in star-studded Uruguay squad to face India

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde will star in a strong Uruguay squad for next month’s international friendly against India. The two-time world champions have named a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent for the match in Kolkata, which will also mark Diego Forlano’s first match as Uruguay head coach.

India will take on Uruguay at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 6 as part of a busy international friendship programme. The Blue Tigers will first take on Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 25 before taking on five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata.

Valverde is one of several big names in Uruguay’s squad. Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Maximilian Araujo and Brian Rodriguez are also part of the squad.

Uruguay has a lot of international experience in defense as well. Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Nahitan Nandez, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera and Sebastian Caceres are among the defenders selected for the squad.

Goalkeeping options include Santiago Mele, Cristopher Fiermarin, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Sebastian Jaume and Thiago Cardozo.

Liverpool star Darwin Nunez is the biggest name in Uruguay’s attack. He will be joined by Miguel Merentiel, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Martin Satriano and Alvaro Rodriguez.

The match in Kolkata will be significant for Forlano as he begins his tenure as head coach of Uruguay. The former Uruguayan forward took charge following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa and will get his first opportunity to lead the senior national team against India.

“The announcement comes at the start of a new chapter for Uruguay following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa, with legendary former striker Diego Forlan taking charge of the senior national and under-20 squads,” the All India Football Federation said in a statement.

Forlan is considered one of the best Uruguayan footballers. He won the Ballon d’Or at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and helped Uruguay lift the 2011 Copa America. He scored 36 goals in 112 matches for the national team.

Forlan also enjoyed a distinguished club career, representing Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. He also has a connection with Indian football, having played for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.

“Now as head coach of Uruguay, Forlan faces a new challenge as he prepares his squad for the upcoming clash with India. With established stars such as Valverde, Nunez, Araujo and Gimenez featuring alongside a new generation of talent, Uruguay’s September-October window promises to offer an early glimpse into the statement of Forlan’s vision for the next chapter of La Celeste.

India, coached by Khalid Jamil, will face a tough test against one of the most successful teams in international football. The Blue Tigers will be hoping to put up a strong fight and give the home fans in Kolkata a memorable match.

URUGUAYAN TEAM

GoalkeepersCast: Santiago Mele, Christopher Fiermarin, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Sebastian Jaume, Thiago Cardozo.

Defenders: Kevin Amaro, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Guillermo Varela, Nahitan Nandez, Santiago Mourinho, Nicolas Marichal, Ronald Araujo, Alexander Barboza, Jose Maria Gimenez, Juan Rodriguez, Sebastian Boselli, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez, Lucas Manel, Marcelo, Lucas Saracchi, Juan Sanau

Reserves: Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur, Facundo Bernal, Santiago Homenchenko, Federico Valverde, Agustin Canobbio, Matias Abaldo, Facundo Pellistri, Luciano Rodriguez, Maximiliano Araujo, Lucas Villalba, Brian Rodriguez, Rodrigo Giriguez, Diego de Zalazar, Diego de Roseta, Roseta.

Attackers: Martin Satriano, Agustin A. Martinez, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Miguel Merentiel, Darwin Nunez, Alvaro Rodriguez.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

05 Sep 2026 16:00 IST