Real Salt Lake's Juan Manuel Sanabria will represent Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sanabria has become an instant starter for Real Salt Lake, combining defensive smarts and offensive service from the left side of the pitch. He joined the club in February from LIGA MX side Atlético San Luis. Sanabria's national team coach is Marcelo Bielsa, who has famously led Argentina, Athletic Bilbao, Leeds United and many more squads. Sanabria played himself into the Uruguay national team mix towards the end of 2025, earning his first call-up from head coach Marcelo Bielsa in September for the final South American (Conmebol) World Cup qualifiers. He made his official debut the following month, scoring his first goal in a 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan. Uruguay are in Group H alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. The 2026 World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, has expanded from the usual 32 nations to 48 total. The top two teams advance from each group, and the top eight third-place finishers also make the knockout phase (Round of 32). Uruguay have qualified for 15 World Cups, with this summer's tournament marking their fifth consecutive appearance. One of only three South American nations – along with Brazil and Argentina – to win the competition, Los Charrúas were crowned champions as hosts in 1930 and in 1950. Uruguay finished fourth in South American World Cup qualifying with 28 points. The top six nations in Conmebol's 10-team round robin secured automatic spots.