Valverde, Nunez, Araujo headline Uruguay's star-studded squad for India clash

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde will be the biggest name in a star-studded Uruguay squad selected for next month's international friendly against India, with the two-time world champions set to arrive in Kolkata.Valverde, Nunez to lead Uruguay's star-studded squad for India clash (Reuters Photo)Real Madrid star Federico Valverde will headline 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 talents for the match in Kolkata, which will also mark Diego Forlan's first game as Uruguay head coach.India will face Uruguay at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 6 as part of a busy international friendly schedule. The Blue Tigers will first take on Panama on September 25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru before facing five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.Valverde is one of several big names included in the Uruguay squad. Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araujo and Brian Rodriguez are also part of the team.Uruguay have plenty of international experience in defence as well. Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Nahitan Nandez, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera and Sebastian Caceres are among the defenders selected for the squad. The 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 Kolkata fixture will be a significant one for Forlan as he begins his tenure as Uruguay head coach. The former Uruguay striker has taken charge following Marcelo Bielsa's departure and will get his first opportunity to lead the senior national team against India."The announcement comes at the beginning of a new chapter for Uruguay following Marcelo Bielsa's departure, with legendary former striker Diego Forlan taking charge of the senior national team and the Under-20 side," the All India Football Federation said in a statement.Forlan is regarded as one of Uruguay's greatest footballers. He won the Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and helped Uruguay lift the 2011 Copa America. He scored 36 goals in 112 appearances 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 Uruguay's head coach, Forlan faces a new challenge as he prepares his side for the upcoming clash against 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 Forlan's vision for the next chapter of La Celeste," the AIFF statement added.India, coached by Khalid Jamil, will face a tough test against one of international football's most successful teams. The Blue Tigers will hope to put up a strong fight and give the home fans in Kolkata a memorable contest.URUGUAY SQUADGoalkeepers: Santiago Mele, Cristopher Fiermarin, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Sebastian Jaume, Thiago Cardozo.Defenders: Kevin Amaro, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Guillermo Varela, Nahitan Nandez, Santiago Mourino, Nicolas Marichal, Ronald Araujo, Alexander Barboza, Jose Maria Gimenez, Juan Rodriguez, Sebastian Boselli, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez, Lucas Olaza, Marcelo Saracchi, Juan Manuel Sanabria.Midfielders: 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 Zalazar, Diego Rossi, Giorgian de Arrascaeta.Forwards: Martin Satriano, Agustin A. Martinez, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Miguel Merentiel, Darwin Nunez, Alvaro Rodriguez.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 5, 2026 16:00 IST