A history of Uruguay at the World Cup

What is Uruguay’s history at the World Cup? Read here for Uruguay’s best World Cup performances, their most successful players, and more.

While Uruguay 66/1 are often overshadowed by their continental rivals, they boast a rich World Cup history; it’s rare they fail to qualify, and they usually make their way to the knockout rounds. From the glories of the competition’s early days to modern controversies, let’s take a look at Uruguay’s World Cup history. 

Or, if you’re already backing Uruguay to impress and excite, discover the latest World Cup betting odds for all their matches.

What is Uruguay’s World Cup record?

Uruguay have qualified for the World Cup 15 times out of 23 tournaments, including the 2026 edition. In fact, the 2006 World Cup is the last time Uruguay failed to qualify, and that’s the only time they’ve not featured in a World Cup since 1998.

Overall, Uruguay have recorded 25 wins, 13 draws, and 21 defeats at the World Cup, and a total goal difference of +13, with their best World Cup performances coming when they won the tournament in 1930 and 1950. 

How many times has Uruguay won the World Cup?

Uruguay are two-time World Cup winners (1930 and 1950), but they also reached the semi-finals in 2010, which was their first appearance in the last four since 1970. 

A recap of Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup run

Wins over Mexico and South Africa, and a draw with France, ensured Uruguay topped their group at the 2010 World Cup. A late goal from Luis Suarez against South Korea in the last 16 set up a quarter-final duel with Ghana.

Suarez was again at the forefront. The game went to extra time at 1-1. In the dying embers of the extra half an hour, Suarez intentionally handled the ball on the line to stop Ghana taking the lead. It looked like the moment of madness had handed the Africans the key to the final four, but Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, and Uruguay won the shootout to progress.

They ultimately lost 3-2 to the Netherlands in the semis.

What is Uruguay’s record against their group stage opponents?

Uruguay are drawn with Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup.

• Across 10 matchups, Uruguay have never beaten Spain. Five of those contests have ended in defeat. They last met in 2013, with Spain winning 2-1 at the Confederations Cup.

• In three matches against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay have one win, one draw, and a defeat. The win came in the 2018 World Cup with Luis Suarez scoring the only goal of the game.

• Uruguay have never faced Cape Verde, and the Blue Sharks are competing in their first ever World Cup.

Iconic Uruguayan World Cup memories

Uruguay’s World Cup adventures feature some iconic moments. From great underdog stories to moments of immense controversy, La Celeste have played a pivotal role in the history of the World Cup.

1950’s Stunning Win

Unlike contemporary World Cups, the winner of the tournament in 1950 was decided by a final group stage. Uruguay needed a win to be crowned world champions, while favourites and hosts Brazil only needed a draw. 

When Brazil had a 1-0 lead, it seemed like only one outcome was possible. What followed was one of the greatest upsets in sporting history, as goals from Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia led Uruguay to their second title in front of almost 200,000 fans at the Maracana.

Hammering of Scotland

Uruguay destroyed Scotland 7-0 in the group stage of the 1954 World Cup. It was a real statement from the defending champions, with Carlos Borges leading the way with a hat-trick.

La Celeste followed up the showing by knocking England out in the quarter-finals, but fell to Hungary in extra time in the last four.

Suarez’s Antics

The chaotic memories of Suarez’s Uruguay career could have occupied more than one slot in this section. From the intentional handball in extra time against Ghana to his bite of Giorgio Chiellini four years later, Suarez was at the centre of two of the most stunning moments in World Cup history. 

Forlan Claims the Golden Ball

After failing to qualify in 2006 and suffering a group stage exit in 2002, Uruguay entered the 2010 World Cup looking to end an unwanted streak of failing to reach the knockout phases. Powered by the brilliant Diego Forlan, they ended up going all the way to the semi-finals.

Forlan, at the peak of his powers, went on to win the Golden Ball and earn a spot in the Dream Team alongside David Villa. 

Uruguay’s biggest World Cup wins

Uruguay’s biggest World Cup win was an 8-0 victory over Bolivia in Belo Horizonte in 1950. Oscar Miguez scored a hat-trick in what was the only match played in the group stage – Uruguay went on to win the World Cup by beating Brazil in the final. 

A 7-0 win over Scotland followed four years later, with Carlos Borges this time providing a hat-trick. Uruguay’s other emphatic victory was a 6-1 triumph over Yugoslavia in the semi-finals of the 1930 World Cup.

Uruguay’s heaviest World Cup defeats

Uruguay’s heaviest World Cup defeat was a 6-1 loss to Denmark in 1986. It was a highly talented Danish team, featuring Michael Laudrup and other world-renowned stars. Miguel Bossio’s early red card made it almost impossible for the Uruguayans.

Though that was inevitably a tough one to take for the South Americans, Uruguay’s fans have been lucky not to suffer too many heavy defeats:

• A 4-0 defeat to West Germany in the quarter-finals in 1966 wasn’t as bad as the scoreline suggests, considering as it was only 1-0 at the 70-minute mark. 

• The only other time they lost by three clear goals in a World Cup match was a 3-0 defeat to Sweden in 1974. Having taken only one point from their first two group matches, it was a must-win for Uruguay, which contributed to the conceding of two late goals.

Who has made the most World Cup appearances for Uruguay?

Fernando Muslera has the most World Cup appearances of any Uruguayan with 16 across the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups. Eleven other Uruguayans have double-digit World Cup appearances, including Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin, and Luis Suarez.  

Along with the players listed above, numerous other all-time greats have featured for Uruguay in the World Cup, including Jose Nasazzi, Juan Alberto Schiaffino, and Enzo Francescoli.  

Who has scored the most World Cup goals for Uruguay?

Oscar Miguez is Uruguay’s all-time top scorer in World Cup matches with eight goals in seven appearances. Miguez starred as Uruguay were crowned world champions in 1950. 

He finished as runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind Brazil’s Ademir. Pedro Cea (1930) is the only other Uruguayan to finish as the second-highest scorer at a World Cup.

How to bet on Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup

Betway is the place to be for all World Cup betting. Whether you’re looking to wager on Uruguay to win their group or fancy an early exit for the South Americans, Betway has you covered with its catalogue of World Cup markets. Alternatively, keep up to date with all the latest insights over on our World Cup blog.