The Uruguayan national team received some of the worst news in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. Joaquín Piquerez suffered a torn ligament in his right ankle and was ruled out for the
North American event.
The injury occurred during the friendly match against England, played at the legendary Wembley stadium. 10 minutes into the first half, the left back fell after a cross with Noni Madueke, showed severe pain and had to be removed on a stretcher, in an image that set off
The confirmation came hours later through Palmeiras, the club where the defender currently plays, which reported: “Additional tests carried out on Sunday (29) confirmed that left-back Piquerez suffered a torn ligament in his right ankle during thefriendly match between Uruguay and England, on Friday (27), at the Wembley stadium
”.
The club also detailed the steps to follow: “In the coming days, the athlete will undergosurgery and will begin the recovery process under the supervision ofthe National Center for Health and Performance (CNSR)”. In parallel, the medical staff of the Uruguayan Football Association will closely monitor the evolution of the
soccer player.
The diagnosis leaves no room for maneuver for the coaching staff led by Marcelo Bielsa. With an estimated recovery time of between four and six months, Piquerez will not make it to the 2026 World Cup in good condition, which represents a significant loss in a position where he had established himself as a starter.
Bielsa will have to look for a replacement for Piqueréz
Beyond the positive result in London, a 1-1 draw, Celeste returns with a negative balance due to the loss of one of its key players. Now, the challenge will be to rearm the left sector of defense in the face of the highest international event.
