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Uruguay national football team

The Uruguay national football team represents Uruguay in men's international football and is governed by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Uruguay national football team represents Uruguay in men's international football and is governed by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF). It is one of the most successful national teams in the sport, with two FIFA World Cup titles and 15 Copa América titles. The team is commonly known as La Celeste and Los Charrúas.

History

The Uruguay national team dates to 1902 and became an early powerhouse in international football. Its major honours include Olympic football gold in 1924 and 1928, the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, and multiple Copa América victories.

Major honours

Uruguay is one of the most successful men’s national teams in football history. It has won the FIFA World Cup twice and the Copa América 15 times, with its most recent Copa América title in 2011.

Identity and symbols

The team is widely known as La Celeste, referring to its sky‑blue colours, and also as Los Charrúas. These names are used in Spanish‑language coverage and football culture.

Governing structure

The team is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), Uruguay’s national football authority. The AUF is affiliated with CONMEBOL and FIFA.

Key facts

  • Uruguay won the first FIFA World Cup in 1930 as hosts and won again in 1950.
  • Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times, tied for most with Argentina.
  • The team is administered by the AUF, which has been part of CONMEBOL since 1916 and FIFA since 1923.
  • Its common nicknames are La Celeste and Los Charrúas.
  • Uruguay plays home matches at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
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Canadian context

Uruguay is relevant to Canadian readers through international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Copa América, where Uruguay may face Canada or be compared with Canadian national teams.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Uruguay national football team?
It is Uruguay’s men’s national football team, representing the country in international football under the AUF.
How many World Cups has Uruguay won?
Uruguay has won the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1930 and 1950.
How many Copa América titles does Uruguay have?
Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times.
What are Uruguay’s nicknames?
The team is commonly called La Celeste and Los Charrúas.
Where does Uruguay play home matches?
Its home stadium is Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay_national_football_team
    Supports: Team identity, governing body, first international match, nicknames, FIFA and CONMEBOL affiliation, major honours
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/_/id/212/uruguay
    Supports: Current team listing and recent ranking context
  3. FotMob — https://www.fotmob.com/teams/5796/overview/uruguay
    Supports: Home stadium and recent team context
  4. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selecci%C3%B3n_de_f%C3%BAtbol_de_Uruguay
    Supports: AUF control, nicknames, FIFA affiliation, CONMEBOL founding membership
  5. 11v11 — https://www.11v11.com/teams/uruguay/
    Supports: Founding year and historical honours