Luis Suarez Open To Uruguay World Cup Return Amid Talks Of A Comeback

Luis Suarez is open to returning for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, despite retiring internationally in September 2024. The 39-year-old record scorer, with 69 goals in 143 caps, says a call from Marcelo Bielsa would be impossible to refuse while still playing.

"Obviously, the national team is always what you want, Suarez told Uruguayan publication Diario Ovacion. You start thinking about it today, turning it over in your mind, and with the World Cup near, if they need you, what do you do? I will never say no to my country, never will I say no to my country."

Suarez stepped away from Uruguay duty in September 2024 after four World Cup appearances, believing others should take over. "I retired from the national team to make way for other players, and because I felt that a moment had arrived when I could no longer be of use to the squad. But if they need me, I will never say no to the national team. That is impossible, as long as I am still playing, as long as I remain active."

At club level, Suarez plays for Inter Miami in MLS, where Lionel Messi is a teammate. Suarez has 32 goals from 65 league matches for the club, showing continued scoring ability. However, Suarez admits that stepping away from Uruguay changed the relationship with football, affecting personal motivation as the years advance.

"You maintain the desire, that passion for football driven by goals and dreams, and you always dreamed of being part of the national team, Suarez said. Obviously, I made the decision [to retire] for various reasons, but since I left, that flame for football has dimmed a little." The comments underline mixed feelings about a possible return.

Uruguay are placed in a World Cup group alongside Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain, a draw that offers different tests. Any late recall for Suarez under Bielsa would add heavy experience to the squad. The combination of current club form and long-term national record keeps the possibility of another appearance alive.

For now, Suarez continues with Inter Miami while leaving the final choice to Bielsa and Uruguay’s staff. The forward’s public stance is clear, though. Suarez remains retired but ready, and has stated that a World Cup call would always receive the same response for as long as playing continues.