Why you should watch every team at the 2018 World Cup

Uruguay

Prior to the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, Uruguay had not qualified for two straight tournaments since 1986 and 1990. These last few years have arguably been the best we’ve seen from Uruguay since their last World Cup triumph in 1950. They have top-tier world talent for the first time in years and enter this year’s tournament looking to make another splash.

Manager Oscar Tabarez, who has been in control since 2006, has been coaching throughout South America and Spain since 1980. He led Uruguay to a breakout fourth-place finish at the 2010 World Cup — in which a 23-year-old Luis Suarez scored three goals and caused a stir by blocking a Ghana shot on the goal-line with his hands and then going crazy on the sideline when they missed the penalty. Diego Forlan, who at 39 is still playing in Hong Kong, won the Golden Ball that year.

Forlan was not called into the preliminary squad (he retired from international play in March of 2015), but a number of household names were, including, of course, Suarez, who has grown into one of the best strikers of the 2010s decade. The Barcelona forward had 25 goals and 11 assists in their (almost) unbeaten campaign, developing a magnificent partnership with Lionel Messi.

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PSG’s Edinson Cavani will also be in the squad, alongside longtime keeper Fernando Muslera of Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid center-back Diego Godin. Seattle Sounders number 10 Nicolas Lodeiro, who has 53 caps for La Celeste, is in the preliminary team.

In addition to the stars, keep an eye on some of the younger players who could potentially go to Russia. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, 22, of Juventus will be one to watch for years, as will 19-year-old Federico Valverde and 21-year-old Maxi Gomez.

Their downfalls at each of the last two World Cups were Suarez suspensions. If he stays out of trouble and continues playing like the top 10 player he is, Uruguay could challenge for silverware.