Gimenez: Uruguay can make history at 2026 World Cup

Jose Maria Gimenez believes Uruguay can make history at the FIFA World Cup 2026, even as the team undergoes a generational shift without iconic figures Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin. The 31-year-old defender, now a senior leader under coach Marcelo Bielsa, is preparing for his fourth World Cup appearance.

A new era for Uruguay

Uruguay enter the tournament in transition. The golden generation that delivered a semi-final finish in 2010, a Round of 16 exit in 2014 and a quarter-final appearance in 2018 has largely moved on. Suarez, Cavani and Godin are no longer part of the squad, and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is the last remaining survivor from that era. Under Bielsa, Uruguay have adopted a new footballing identity, blending young talent with experienced players like Gimenez.

“This is a rebuilding process that has been going on for a while now,” Gimenez said ahead of Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia in Group H. “There are a lot of young players coming through, and I think we’ve got a solid squad to give a good account of ourselves at this tournament. This Uruguay side is capable of making history. We’re Uruguay. We know what it means to wear this shirt and what’s required of us on the pitch.”

Gimenez’s journey

Gimenez made his senior debut under Oscar Washington Tabarez, learning sacrifice and commitment alongside defenders Diego Godin and Diego Lugano. He observed the professionalism of Cavani and the brilliance of Suarez, whom he calls arguably Uruguay’s greatest ever player. Now 31, Gimenez is in his prime and brings a calm presence to the squad.

“I bring calm to the side,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s still just a game of football, but you’re representing your country in the most beautiful way possible. When you’re calm, you know this is when the moment of truth arrives and the butterflies start to kick in. Only those who don’t live and breathe football don’t feel those emotions. Donning the shirt is a source of pride.”

Group H challenge

Uruguay have been drawn in Group H alongside Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cabo Verde, a group widely considered one of the toughest in the tournament. The opener in Miami could be decisive for both sides’ hopes of advancing. “Every game is important, but I expect this one to be played at a very high intensity,” Gimenez said. “Both sides want to take all three points. We’ll try to play our own game. It’ll be a game of fine margins. Emotions will be running high, but we can’t let that get the better of us. It’s important to approach the game with your heart, but keep a cool head on the pitch.”

Uruguay are determined to bounce back from their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished third in their group with four points, behind Portugal and Korea Republic. That disappointment was an anomaly for a nation of 3.4 million that consistently produces top-level players.

Gimenez’s role and fitness

Gimenez has spent 13 years at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, another coach who leaves a lasting mark. In Bielsa’s system, Gimenez plays a key role in pushing the team higher up the pitch and covering large spaces behind. He suffered a serious right ankle sprain in May while playing for Atletico but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.