Former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has criticized the current state of the national team and the managerial choices of head coach Marcelo Bielsa following a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde on June 22, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Suarez, who now plays for Inter Miami, watched from the stands and later spoke at a Conmebol event, reflecting on the team's failure to secure a victory after two group stage matches.
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He expressed mixed feelings, noting the emotional impact on the players. "Seeing my teammates devastated leaves me with a bittersweet feeling," Suarez said.
The result leaves Uruguay with two points from two matches, requiring a win against European champions Spain on Friday to advance to the knockout rounds.
"It's a critical situation, but we Uruguayans are used to it; we've shown it before.
In these moments, we bring out our courage, self-criticism, group strength, and Uruguayan character," Suarez added.
Bielsa's Decisions Under Fire
Suarez addressed Bielsa's approach, noting that the coach chose not to select the 39-year-old top scorer for the tournament as part of a squad rejuvenation strategy.
"Each coach has their way of handling these situations.
Showing that strength will be nice as a Uruguayan; we don't want to get to this point, but it's our turn.
I hope the coach takes the right path," Suarez said.
He added, "Decisions are made, and you have to assume the consequences. He has enough experience to know what decisions he's making.
