Uruguay’s Suárez Open to Joining Team Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Inter Miami star Luis Suárez spoke with reporters this week, and it appears his retirement from Uruguay’s national team may not last. 

The former Barcelona striker had announced he would end his long and decorated international career in 2024. However, he recently told reporters that he would be open to returning to Uruguay’s national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While he didn’t confirm any official talks about a return, his words suggest he would answer should team officials call.

Uruguay’s national team was placed in Group H for this summer’s tournament, alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.

Suárez Stops Short of Asking for Return

While Suárez made it clear he would be open to returning for the tournament if asked, he did not make any official request. Instead, he confirmed the reason for his retirement when speaking with reporters from Uruguay’s Diario Ovación.

I retired from the national team to make way for other players, and because I felt that moment had arrived when I could no longer be of use to the squad, but if they need me, I will never say no to the national team. That is impossible—as long as I am still playing, as long as I remain active.

Should Uruguay Make the Call?

There have already been some calls from fans for the national team to take Suárez up on his offer. The striker’s 69 goals for Uruguay are the most in the team’s history after making his debut in 2007. Over his long international career, he helped lead the team to fourth place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and fifth place in 2018. 

While Suárez’s impressive career is leading fans to want him back on the pitch in June, there is reason for the team to hesitate before making the call.

The striker is now 39 years old and plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. While he found his first points of the season this week, the level of competition is far lower than it was in his days in La Liga and the EPL. That will make it difficult for the aging star to adjust back to facing elite talent, who's known for not handling frustration well.

His last World Cup run was in 2022, where he failed to score a goal as the team was eliminated during the Group Stage. It was the first time he went scoreless in the tournament, showing age and injuries have taken their toll. 

Sportsbooks Place Long Odds for Uruguay 

While there will be questions about what Suárez can do for Uruguay, sportsbooks seem to think they don’t have much to lose.

Several soccer betting sites have Uruguay’s odds to win the World Cup well outside of the top ten favorites. Their current price puts them in line with countries like Mexico, Switzerland, Japan, and the US. None of those teams is considered a contender, showing that bookmakers believe another disappointing World Cup is in store for Uruguay.