Uruguay and Colombia are set for a fiery showdown in Montevideo on Friday, rekindling the heated rivalry from their Copa America semi-final clash this past summer. This isn’t just any World Cup qualifier - it’s a high-stakes battle between the second and third-ranked teams in the South American standings.
Colombia, flying high after some impressive wins over top opponents, come into this match brimming with confidence. But Uruguay, desperate to reclaim their spot in the standings, will see this as the perfect moment to strike back. If Uruguay manages a win, they'll leapfrog Colombia in the table, as both teams are neck-and-neck on goal difference. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Uruguay’s determination to prove themselves against a resurgent Colombia will make for a thrilling, no-holds-barred clash.
Uruguay enter this November double-header with everything to prove. Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has endured a rocky road lately, going winless in their last eight games (outside of two penalty shoot-out victories) and failing to score in their past four qualifiers. The pressure is on for Bielsa to ignite a resurgence in Uruguay’s form - and fast.
Still, La Celeste can draw strength from their impressive World Cup qualifying record on home soil, with five wins and two draws in their last seven matches. Adding fuel to this showdown is the fiery return of Darwin Núñez, who, after being embroiled in a suspension controversy from Uruguay’s last clash with Colombia, has now been cleared to play. Though he joined the team last month while his case was still under review, his availability will undoubtedly raise Uruguay’s attacking potential.
However, Núñez and six other key players - among them Manuel Ugarte, Santiago Bueno, Nahitan Nández, and Jose Maria Gimenez - walk a tightrope, all at risk of suspension if they receive another booking. Gimenez’s return is particularly vital; along with Rodrigo Bentancur and Matias Olivera, he was sidelined with a lengthy suspension after the summer brawl, and his defensive prowess will bolster Bielsa’s lineup.
Uruguay’s squad is now as close to full strength as it has been in months, and the stakes have never been higher.
URUGUAY predicted lineup vs COLOMBIA: Rochet (GK); Varela, S Bueno, Gimenez, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur; Pellistri, Nunez, M Araujo.
Colombia’s last international window was a rollercoaster, with a shocking 1-0 loss to Bolivia threatening to derail their momentum. But they rebounded with a bang, crushing Chile 4-0 to keep their World Cup dream alive. That emphatic win solidified Colombia’s second-place position in the CONMEBOL standings, putting them just three points behind Argentina and seven points clear of Bolivia in the playoff spot. After missing the 2022 World Cup, Colombia now looks poised to make a triumphant return to the global stage.
However, their away form has been a lingering concern—Colombia has managed just two wins in their last 11 World Cup qualifiers on the road. And their roster is now feeling the squeeze of injuries. Luis Sinisterra, whose electric impact against Chile saw him score and assist off the bench, has had to withdraw last minute. Juventus full-back Juan Cabal’s World Cup dreams are also dashed after he tore his ACL shortly after joining the squad. Midfielders Jefferson Lerma and Yaser Asprilla are also sidelined, challenging coach Néstor Lorenzo to craft a winning strategy with a reshuffled lineup.
Upfront, Aston Villa’s young star Jhon Durán has climbed above Jhon Cordoba in the lineup, and Liverpool's Luis Díaz enters the window in stunning form, with 11 goal involvements this season alone. If Díaz and Durán can bring that attacking firepower to Montevideo, Colombia might just be able to silence the Uruguayan crowd and extend their lead in the table.
COLOMBIA predicted lineup vs URUGUAY: Vargas (GK); Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Uribe; Diaz, James, J Arias; Duran.
Uruguay, desperate to end a four-game scoreless run, faces Colombia with mounting pressure to break out of their offensive slump and seize crucial points. Marcelo Bielsa’s side hasn’t found the net in World Cup qualifiers lately, but they'll hope that home advantage sparks a change.
For Colombia, who’ve historically struggled in Montevideo, Uruguay’s troubles could be the perfect opening to secure a result. With a win, they’d reinforce their standing in the table, but even a draw would signal a shift in their fortunes here.
This clash promises intensity, as both teams eye a defining result on their path to World Cup qualification.
Both teams should find the net, but neither seems capable of outscoring the other.
