In a tearful press conference, veteran striker Luis Suarez announced that the upcoming World Cup qualifier between Uruguay and Paraguay, that will take place on Friday at the Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, will be his international match.
Uruguay's record goalscorer with 69 strikes for his country across 142 international appearances will end his 17-year international career after the seventh matchday of the ongoing South American qualifiers.
Hosts Uruguay, are currently second in the standings with 13 points, just two behind leaders Argentina. Their last match was a 3-0 win over Bolivia in November.
Paraguay, meanwhile, have a lot to do to get into the automatic qualification spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are currently in seventh place with five points from six games.
MORE: FIFA match calendar, key dates for World Cup qualifiers
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Uruguay vs. Paraguay live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualification match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Fanatiz USA
This game is not available on TV in U.S. Fans can stream the match on Fanatiz USA.
If the game is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Uruguay vs. Paraguay kick off?
This World Cup qualifying clash takes place at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay and kicks off on Friday, September 6 at 8:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date | Kickoff time | |
Eastern Time | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7:30 p.m. |
Central Time | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6:30 p.m. |
Mountain Time | Friday, Sept. 6 | 5:30 p.m. |
Pacific Time | Friday, Sept. 6 | 4:30 p.m. |
Uruguay vs. Paraguay lineups, team news
Uruguay has a big absentee list for this match. Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mathias Olivera, Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo are all suspended for their involvement in a brawl during the Copa America semi-final against Colombia in July.
Additionally, Federico Vinas, Nicolas de la Cruz, Matias Vina and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are out with injuries.
Uruguay predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Rochet (GK) — Nandez, Caceres, Bueno, Saracchi — Valverde, Ugarte — Pellistri, Torres, Araujo — Suarez.
Injured: Vinas, De la Cruz, Vina, De Arrascaeta
Suspended: Nunez, Bentancur, Olivera, Gimenez, Araujo
The visitors have a full set of players to pick from.
Antonio Sanabria, who is the only player to have scored in Paraguay's qualification campaign so far, will be expected to lead the line once again.
Paraguay predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Morinigo (GK) — Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza — Villasanti, Bobadilla — Almiron, Enciso, Sosa — Sanabria.
Injured: —
Suspended: —
Uruguay vs. Paraguay prediction
Playing his last international match may see the veteran striker Suarez in inspired form. Apart from him, the home team does boast a strong lineup of high-profile players that should be able to quell the Paraguayan challenge on home turf.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 Paraguay