Indian-Origin Maximiliano Araujo Selected in Uruguay Squad For International Friendly Against India

Kolkata is gearing up for a footballing spectacle as two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay today, September 5, 2026, unveiled a formidable 46-man provisional squad for their upcoming international friendly against India. The squad, announced by new head coach Diego Forlan, notably includes Maximiliano Araujo, the talented midfielder with ancestral roots tracing back to Goa, adding a unique narrative to the high-profile clash. India Football Squad Announced for International Friendlies Against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.

Diego Forlan’s Picks for the September–October FIFA Date

Estos son los reservados de Diego Forlán para la Fecha FIFA de setiembre-octubre 📋 pic.twitter.com/XUYHOC0Qi8

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) September 4, 2026

A Star with Indian Roots

Maximiliano Araujo, a 26-year-old winger for Sporting CP, has been a significant presence for the Uruguayan national team since his international debut in 2023. His inclusion in the squad holds special significance for Indian football fans, as Araujo's paternal ancestry hails from the picturesque village of Loutolim in South Goa. He etched his name into football history earlier this year by becoming the first player of Indian origin to score at a FIFA World Cup, netting a crucial late equalizer in Uruguay's 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in June 2026.

Diego Forlan's Star-Studded Selection

Legendary former striker Diego Forlan, who famously played for Mumbai City FC in 2016, takes the helm as Uruguay's new head coach, making this Asia tour his first major assignment. His provisional squad is packed with international stars, including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, Liverpool defender, on loan from Barcelona, Ronald Araújo, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, and Al-Diriyah forward, on loan from Al-Hilal, Darwin Núñez. Notably absent from the list is 39-year-old Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez, who last played for Uruguay in 2024. The squad features 21 players from Uruguay's 26-man contingent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing a blend of established talent and emerging prospects.

India's Blockbuster International Window

The friendly against Uruguay is the final fixture in a demanding international window for India, offering the Blue Tigers invaluable experience against top-tier opposition. Head coach Khalid Jamil's 26-member Indian squad will first face Panama in Bengaluru on September 25, 2026, before hosting five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, 2026. These three high-profile friendlies, all against nations that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, represent a significant opportunity for Indian football to test its mettle and gain exposure on the international stage.

Match Details: India vs Uruguay

Uruguay, currently ranked 20th in the FIFA World Rankings, presents a formidable challenge for India, which is looking to build on recent performances. The match is expected to draw a massive crowd in Kolkata, a city renowned for its passionate football following. Sony Sports Set To Bag Broadcast Rights For India’s International Football Friendlies Against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama.

This series of matches against World Cup-playing nations underscores the All India Football Federation's commitment to providing the national team with challenging tests, crucial for their development and aspirations on the global football landscape. The presence of an Indian-origin star like Maximiliano Araujo further adds to the excitement, symbolizing the growing global reach and interconnectedness of football.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 04:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).