There are few teams who overachieve as often as Uruguay considering the size of the country.
With a population of just 3.4 million, Uruguay produces an amazing number of world-class players.
They’re specialist in putting in their best performances when it matters.
A slow start to their qualification campaign for the World Cup in Qatar put Uruguay’s place at the tournament in doubt.
However, four wins on the bounce secured them an automatic spot at this winter’s tournament, avoid the tricky intercontinental play-off.
They’ll be looking to produce another brilliant underdog performance as they seek to add to their previous two World Cup wins.
Can Uruguay win a third FIFA World Cup at Qatar 2022?
Only Brazil, Germany and Italy have won more World Cups that Uruguay.
It would potentially be Uruguay’s most impressive win ever if they were able to lift the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Doha on December 18th.
The Sky Blues have a group containing South Korea, Portugal and Ghana.
Diego Alonso’s men will fancy their chances against South Korea, and will give Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side a tough game.
It could all come down to a showdown with Ghana, and the last time they met Uruguay triumphed in controversial circumstances.
They’ll want to avoid finishing second in their group, as their most likely round of 16 opponents would be Brazil.
If they can overcome the Selecao, then who knows what this Uruguay side could achieve in Qatar.
How did Uruguay win their two World Cups?
You have to go all the way back to 1930 for Uruguay’s first World Cup victory.
They hosted the original World Cup which was attended by just 13 teams.
Uruguay knocked out Romania and Peru in the group stages, before defeating Yugoslavia in the semi-finals.
A 4-2 win in the final against Argentina where each team used their own football for a half saw Uruguay lift the inaugural trophy.
Their only other victory also came on South American soil in 1950.
This tournament in Brazil also consisted of 13 teams, and an unusual format.
The four group winners entered into a final group stage, and whoever finished top took home the trophy.
Brazil were the overwhelming home favourites, and only required a draw in their final match against Uruguay to win their first World Cup.
They went 1-0 up, but just like in 1930, a second half comeback secured Uruguay their second victory.
Who could win the 2022 World Cup for Uruguay?
Uruguay’s current squad contains a few familiar names for Premier League fans.
Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur is likely to line up in midfield for Uruguay alongside former north London rival Lucas Torreira.
Up front, a terrifying combination familiar to Liverpool fans awaits Uruguay’s opponents.
Luis Suarez – with 133 caps and 68 international goals – is likely playing in his final World Cup.
He will be partnered by Liverpool’s newest attacking recruit; Darwin Nunez.
Manchester United fans haven’t seen much of Facundo Pellestri, but he also has a chance of featuring in Qatar.
Veterans Fernando Muslera and Martin Caceres are likely to also be heading into their final FIFA World Cup, and will want to go out on a high.
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