Torreón, Mexico – On November 14, Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who leads the Uruguayan national team, emphasized that the absence of key players Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde will not hinder his team’s performance in their upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. Bielsa expressed his desire to have both players participate, but affirmed that the team’s extensive experience together would outweigh their absence.
“We’ve played 18 qualifying matches and seven Copa América games, which has solidified our mutual understanding within the team,” Bielsa stated confidently. The Uruguayan squad is set to face Mexico this Saturday in Torreón, Coahuila, followed by a match against the United States in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday. These friendly encounters serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Bielsa intends to utilize this opportunity to evaluate new talent, although he indicated that the overall structure of the team for the World Cup is largely established. “There are few players I haven’t assessed, and introducing new faces always provides a step forward—especially with the chance to compete against two strong opponents,” he noted.
When discussing the upcoming match strategies, Bielsa revealed that he plans to rotate players between the two games to maximize the learning opportunities presented by these matches, both of which are akin to World Cup-level competition. While acknowledging that Mexico and the United States may face significant challenges in their rosters, he views these games as excellent opportunities for growth.
Bielsa also praised Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico, highlighting the similarities in playing style between the two teams. “Mexico is a proactive and offensive team, and we aim for the same traits. If the match unfolds according to our styles, it will be dynamic and engaging,” Bielsa remarked, adding that Aguirre’s coaching cycle appears well-structured, with clear roles and options for substitution.
This anticipation for the friendlies highlights the competitive spirit as both teams prepare for the global stage that awaits them in the next World Cup, fostering excitement among fans for what promises to be an engaging display of football.