India vs Uruguay: Uruguay is ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings. Uruguay are on a rebuilding journey under new coach and former legendary striker Diego Forlan following their group stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. India tour of that team. La Celeste (Uruguay Football Team) will play against the Blue Tigers (Indian Football Team) at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata.
Before the tour of India, Uruguay played against Japan and South Korea in the September-October international window. After losing 1-3 to Japan in the first match, Forlan’s team turned around in the next match. They beat South Korea 4-1. Now in front of them is the Indian team that has regained confidence in recent times.
Before the start of the international window, the fear of India failing against the two World Cup teams was high. Khalid Jamil’s team has changed that idea. After a 1-1 draw against Panama, the Indian team lost 0-4 to Brazil, but the performance of the Indian team was a struggle. The biggest positive is that India have shown an offensive mindset against their opponents rather than just being defensive.
In addition to maintaining a compact low block in defense, Khalid Jamil’s team is troubling the opposition through quick transitions in possession. Indian fans will therefore be hoping for another positive performance in the last match of the International Winder. Diego Forlan, on the other hand, will also want to test different combinations of the new team and end the season with a win.
Some Uruguayan footballers can become a big challenge for India in this match. Special attention will be paid to three of them.
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo has not had an easy time due to injuries, limited game time and recent ups and downs in club football. However, he joined Liverpool with the aim of getting himself back on track. The Uruguayan defender aims to establish himself at a new club.
Araujo mainly plays as a center-back but can handle the responsibility as a right-back if needed. His speed and ability to handle defenses in one-on-one situations make him important. Apart from this, he is strong in possession of the ball in the sky. Apart from creating danger in his own box, he also has the ability to score goals from set-pieces.
But sometimes lack of attention can cause his problems. Against Brazil and Panama, Manveer Singh’s ability to hold the ball and win duels in the air caught the eye. As a result, India’s forward and Araujo’s personal battle could be one of the highlights of the match.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur is one of the most experienced midfielders in the current Uruguayan team. He has played nearly 80 matches for the country. His role in controlling the pace of the match from the midfield can be important.
Bentancur can play multiple roles as a box-to-box midfielder. He is good on the ball. He has the ability to win defensive duels, recover the ball and stay calm under pressure from the opposition. He can break the line from midfield and pass as well as create opportunities in the attacking third.
Bentancur has captained Uruguay in both matches so far in this international winder. In addition to leading from the midfield, he has also been responsible for creating links between defense and attack. His performance in the midfield against India’s organized defense and quick transitions could decide the course of the match.
Darwin Nunes
Darwin Núñez is the mainstay of Uruguay’s attack. He returned to form with a pair of goals in the recent match against South Korea before going down against India. Before those two goals, Nunes could not score in 17 consecutive international matches. As a result, this performance will boost his confidence.
As a traditional number nine, his speed and ability to head the ball are his big weapons. Nunes can dislodge opposition defenders with off-the-ball movement. It creates space for yourself and teammates. His role is also important in Uruguay’s pressing. He does not hesitate to test the opponent’s goalkeeper when he gets the chance.
However, the consistency of opportunities and finishing is still a question mark for Nunes. As a former striker, Forlan will surely keep an eye on this aspect. Against the organized and compact defense that India played against Brazil and Panama, Nunes will have to exploit it whenever he gets a chance. If Uruguay want a big win, his finishing in the Indian box will be crucial.