Gimenez benched, Araujo not in squad as Uruguay take on Saudi Arabia

15 Jun 2026, 21:02 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Uruguay - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - March 27, 2026 Uruguay's Jose Maria Gimenez and Fernando Muslera react REUTERS/Toby Melville

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Saudi Arabia v Uruguay - Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. - June 15, 2026 Uruguay's Ronald Araujo arrives at the stadium before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Sam Navarro

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MIAMI, June 15 : Uruguay's veteran defender Jose Maria Gimenez was not named in the starting lineup for their World Cup Group H opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday while Ronald Araujo was not included in the squad.

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa said Gimenez had recovered from an ankle injury but the 31-year-old may have to wait to make his 100th appearance for the national team.

• Barcelona defender Araujo had suffered a muscle tear during training and will sit out the game.

• Uruguay starting Sebastian Caceres and Mathias Olivera in central defence.

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• Bielsa picks strong midfield with Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde.

• Salem Al-Dawsari leads Saudi Arabia at his third World Cup.

• Saudi Arabia name back-five led by Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid, the only player in the squad who plays club football outside the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Alowais; Abdulelah Alamri, Hassan Altambakti, Saud Abdulhamid, Moteb Alharbi, Mohammed Abu Alshamat; Musab Aljuwayr, Abdullah Alkhaibari, Mohamed Kanno; Salem Al-Dawsari (C), Feras Albrikan.

Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Sebastian Caceres, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera, Matias Vina; Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur (C), Federico Valverde, Maxi Araujo; Darwin Nunez, Federico Vinas

Gimenez benched, Araujo not in squad as Uruguay take on Saudi Arabia

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