Suarez hints at Uruguay World Cup recall under Bielsa ahead of 2026

Uruguay's all-time top scorer Suarez has hinted he could return for the 2026 World Cup after a 19-month absence.

Suarez's international absence Luis Suarez, who has 69 goals in 143 international appearances, stepped away from Uruguay duty in September 2024. At the time, he cited Marcelo Bielsa's management as the reason, stating the coach had 'divided the whole group.' After 19 months away from international football, Suarez has now indicated he may come back. He admitted he 'said something I shouldn't have said' and has since apologized to those affected. ## Possible return for World Cup The veteran striker made it clear he would not turn down a call-up if Uruguay needed him for the 2026 World Cup. 'I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up,' he told reporters, as quoted by Spain's EFE news agency. Suarez has experience in four World Cups, having made his debut for Uruguay in 2010. ## Career highs and controversies Suarez has played in major tournaments across his career, including South Africa 2010 where he saved a Ghana goal with a handball in the quarter-finals. He was later banned for four months after the infamous bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil four years later. Now playing for Inter Miami in Major Soccer League, Suarez spoke about his continued passion for the game. 'You realise you still have a little bit of life left in you. You get the urge to keep competing,' he explained. ## On-field emotions and World Cup details Suarez described how he still reacts strongly to losses and poor passes on the pitch, while also enjoying scoring goals. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will run from 11 June to 19 July. Uruguay qualified fourth from South American qualification and will face Saudi Arabia in Miami on 15 June in Group H, alongside matches against Cape Verde and Spain. ## Bielsa's World Cup journey Marcelo Bielsa, who has led Uruguay since May 2023, will be taking charge of his third World Cup in 2026. The 70-year-old previously coached Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010. His appointment has been a key factor in Suarez's potential return, despite past public criticism from the striker about his management style.