Official: Barcelona defender selected in Uruguay World Cup squad | OneFootball

One of the last teams to announce their squad for the upcoming World Cup, Uruguay have finally released the final list of players who will travel to North America this summer.

Quite unsurprisingly, the list features Barcelona star Ronald Araujo, who will play a key role for the South American giants as they look to impress in this year’s World Cup.

Araujo named in Uruguay’s 26-man squad

The centre-back has been a mainstay of Marcelo Bielsa’s defensive setup and his inclusion was never in doubt, having been one of Uruguay’s most important players over the past few seasons.

Araujo is joined in the defensive line by familiar faces, including Jose Maria Gimenez, Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez and Matias Vina, giving Uruguay a well-stocked and experienced defensive unit.

He is expected to partner Jose Maria Gimenez at the heart of defence, with the pair forming one of the most experienced centre-back combinations at the entire tournament.

Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez and Matias Vina provide further depth across the backline.

Darwin Nunez, whose name has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona this summer during talks over Joao Cancelo’s permanent signing, leads the attacking line alongside Rodrigo Aguirre and Federico Vinas.

Barcelona vs Barcelona?

World Cup presents an excellent opportunity for Araujo. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for Araujo comes in the group stage, where Uruguay are drawn to face Spain.

That fixture could see the Barcelona defender go head-to-head with several of his own club teammates, including Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres and Joan Garcia, in what promises to be one of the standout group stage clashes of the entire tournament.

For Araujo, the World Cup represents the perfect stage to build on after a disappointing campaign.