‘No chance of playing’ – Ronald Araujo ruled out of Uruguay’s World Cup clash with Spain

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 15: Ronald Araujo #4 of Uruguay arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Marcelo Bielsa has ruled Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo out of Uruguay’s final group game against Spain at World Cup 2026.

class="has-text-align-none">Araujo has already missed Uruguay’s first two group matches due to an injury. The defender arrived with a niggle which became worse during training. Bielsa has accepted responsibility for the situation and admitted that “something is wrong.”

class="has-text-align-none">The Uruguay boss has now been asked if Araujo or Giorgian De Arrascaeta will return against Spain and ruled both players out: “They have no chance of playing against Spain,” he told a press conference.

class="has-text-align-none">Uruguay have drawn both their games so far, against Cape Verde and New Zealand, and can still make it to the knockouts. However, they will need a result against Spain when the two teams meet on Friday in Mexico which is not an easy ask.

class="has-text-align-none">As for Araujo, he missed World Cup 2022 due to injury and will be hoping his team can progress and he can return for the knockout stages.