Fernando Muslera back for fifth World Cup, poised to start for Uruguay at 40 | OneFootball

Fernando Muslera is back for a fifth World Cup after reversing international retirement, and should start for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia at midnight on Monday into Tuesday. The goalkeeper turns 40 on Tuesday.

After 14 seasons at Galatasaray, he joined Estudiantes La Plata last summer and inspired a revival with two trophies. “He has shown everything good from his career here, not only as a player but as a professional, giving us incredible help,” said club president Juan Sebastian Veron. He was speaking to Radio Provincia’s Deportivo 1270.

He had signed off with a 5-0 warm-up win over Panama on 11 June 2022, then spent the Qatar tournament on the bench despite 16 World Cup appearances. In 2024 the federation even released a video to formalise his international retirement. He returned on 27 March in a 1-1 draw with England.

Former coach Eduardo Dominguez has praised Muslera’s authority around team-mates, noting how he guides and demands standards beyond matchdays. Marcelo Bielsa phoned in March before the final pre-World Cup camp and later described him as exemplary for any group.

Training at Uruguay’s Playa del Carmen base suggests Muslera, now on 134 caps, should be in goal against Saudi Arabia. If he plays two matches, he will overtake Edinson Cavani for the most World Cup appearances in the nation’s history. Muslera has said putting his name in Uruguay’s football history would be a source of pride for him and his children.

Source: L'Équipe