Fede Valverde Shines as Uruguay Captain in World Cup Qualifying Victory

Real Madrid’s midfield maestro, Fede Valverde, enjoyed a triumphant start as the captain of the Uruguayan national team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Chile.

Valverde was named in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for their crucial double-header against Chile and Ecuador this month. The decision to appoint Valverde as captain was confirmed within the team, as he had previously led the squad in friendly matches earlier this year. This match marked his first competitive game as the team’s skipper.

Marcelo Bielsa revealed that the decision to make Valverde the permanent captain was reached through a squad meeting. In the match against Chile in Montevideo, Valverde not only led the team but also contributed with a goal, helping secure a 3-1 victory.

🎙️ Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that he didn't personally select Federico Valverde as @Uruguay captain

• “It was a decision made by his teammates.” pic.twitter.com/YwH0ScCYl6
— Uruguay Football ENG (@UruguayFootENG) September 9, 2023

Since the international retirement of Diego Godin after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Bielsa had been in search of a new captain. With Valverde leading the team to a winning start in the qualification campaign, the veteran coach will be pleased with the direction the team is heading.

Uruguay’s journey in World Cup qualification continues with a match against Ecuador in Quito on September 12, followed by two additional qualifiers in October.