Uruguay in the TOP 10 of the most experienced in the 2026 WORLD CUP

La Celeste arrives at the World Cup with a support that few can boast: experience. After analyzing the 48 official lists presented for this edition of the 2026 World Cup, the 26 called by Marcelo Bielsa They make up the exclusive group of the 10 teams that have accumulated the greatest number of matches played in the history of the competition.

With a total of 63 World Cup matches spread across its squad, Uruguay is in ninth place in this hierarchy ranking. This statistic is not minor, since it reflects an ideal mix between the seniority of fundamental pieces and the energy of a new generation that seeks to leave its mark on North American lands.

The captain of history: FERNANDO MUSLERA

Without a doubt, the figure that magnifies Uruguay's numbers is Fernando Muslera. The historic goalkeeper not only provides security between the three sticks, but also reaches an absolute milestone: his fifth World Cup, a total record for a Uruguayan footballer. With 16 matches played in World Cup events, Muslera also ranks as the sixth player with the most matches among all those participating in this tournament, a fact that is impressive and demonstrates his validity over the years.

A squad with international filming

Behind Muslera, the backbone of this team also knows what it means to play at the highest level. José María Giménez faces its fourth World Cup - with 10 games and one goal under its belt -, closely followed by Rodrigo Bentancur, who is going for his third World Cup experience. The list of players who already know what it is like to take to the field in a World Cup is long: names like Guillermo Varela, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Facundo Pellistri, among others, raise the match average and give Bielsa a squad hardened in a thousand battles.

EXPERIENCE ranking: the giants of the table

Uruguay rubs shoulders with world powers in this record. The ranking is led by Argentina, which with 122 accumulated matches (thanks in large part to the presence of Lionel Messi), leads the way. They are followed by teams like Croatia, France and Portugal, demonstrating that the continuity of their squads is the key to success.

1. Argentina – 122 matches

2. Croatia – 98

3. France – 82

4. Portugal – 81

5. Belgium – 78

6. Swiss – 72

7. England – 71

8. Brazil – 66

9. Uruguay – 63

10. Iran – 56

With this scenario, the Uruguayan team not only arrives in Mexico with its enthusiasm intact, but with the specific weight that only experience can give. In such a demanding tournament with 48 teams, knowing how to manage time, pressure and key moments will be the most important asset of those led by “Loco” Bielsa.