World Cup 2026: Uruguay bets on intensity to beat Saudi Arabia, says Federico Viñas

Uruguay will seek to impose speed in their 2026 North American World Cup debut against Saudi Arabia, a rival described as "very complicated" that will demand precision from Marcelo Bielsa's Celeste, forward Federico Viñas said Saturday.

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Marcelo always demands intensity from the forwards, always pressing high, wearing down the center-backs, the opponents

The Uruguayan squad will make its World Cup debut on Monday in Miami against Saudi Arabia, which caused a major surprise in Qatar 2022 by winning their opening match against Argentina. The key to Uruguay's success against the Saudis will be "intensity," the Real Oviedo striker told reporters at the Celeste's training center in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

"Marcelo always demands intensity from the forwards, always pressing high, wearing down the center-backs, the opponents," the attacker said on the eve of the Celeste's Group H debut, which also includes Cape Verde and Spain. Asked about the possibility of Bielsa including him in the starting lineup alongside Darwin Núñez, the player said he can play "with a nine next to me" without any problems. "At times in my career I have done it, with two nines it's about sharing tasks, sharing the pressure," said the 27-year-old.

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In moments of my career I have done it, with two nines it's about sharing tasks, sharing the pressure

Uruguay will enter the debut affected by injuries and a lack of match fitness for Núñez, their star attacker. Giorgian De Arrascaeta, key to midfield playmaking, and Ronald Araujo, a defensive pillar, are recovering from muscle injuries. Both the Flamengo midfielder and the FC Barcelona captain hope to recover to contribute to a team that disappointed in Qatar by being eliminated in the group stage. Advancing will depend on a strong start against a Saudi team that Viñas warned will present "a very complicated match." Saudi Arabia "has very good players and there is the precedent of the 2022 World Cup," when they beat Argentina, that edition's champion, in their opener. For Viñas, it would be important for the Celeste to "equal 2010," when the two-time world champion (1930-1950) finished fourth.

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a very complicated match