Maximiliano Araújo Creates History for Uruguay as Goan-Origin Winger Named in Squad for India Friendly
Uruguay winger Maximiliano Araújo scored an 80th-minute equaliser against Saudi Arabia at Miami Stadium to rescue a 1-1 draw in his country’s opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match. The 26-year-old left winger brought Uruguay back into the contest late in the second half, earning the two-time world champions a valuable point after falling behind early in their group-stage campaign.
The late goal cemented Maximiliano Araújo’s place in international football history. He became the first Uruguayan player in 72 years—since Óscar Míguez achieved the mark in 1954—to score in each of Uruguay’s first two matches of a FIFA World Cup edition. The Sporting defender’s stellar form on the left wing has also attracted high-level transfer interest in England, where Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is tracking the player closely following summer window squad adjustments involving Djed Spence and Pedro Porro.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch in North America, Araújo holds a special significance for Indian football followers. The 26-year-old is of Indian origin through his grandfather, who hailed from Loutolim village in Goa. That ancestral connection has generated immense excitement across India’s football community, particularly after Uruguay confirmed the player’s inclusion in their upcoming international tour.
Star Squad Named for India Friendly in Kolkata
Uruguay head coach Diego Forlán included Maximiliano Araújo in a 46-player preliminary squad announced for the September-October FIFA international window. The South American heavyweights are scheduled to visit Kolkata for a marquee international friendly against India. Real Madrid star Federico Valverde headlines the star-studded squad alongside Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, giving Indian fans an opportunity to watch top-tier global talent live on home soil.
Forlán’s taking over as head coach marks a new chapter for the national team following the Marcelo Bielsa era, bringing distinct tactical shifts that players have already noted. Former Uruguayan striker Sebastián “El Loco” Abreu publicly welcomed Forlán’s arrival while defending Uruguay’s four historic stars, stating he did not want rival teams to match their legacy. Abreu also weighed in heavily on Uruguay’s intense rivalry fixtures against Argentina, underscoring the fierce competitive spirit within the squad.
That competitive edge was echoed by Uruguayan squad members ahead of their upcoming clash with Argentina, with one player bluntly stating that major derby matches are meant to be won by any means necessary. Forlán specifically chose to schedule fixtures against the reigning South American champions to test his team’s mental resilience and tactical discipline under pressure.
With a historical World Cup milestone already recorded and Premier League transfer rumors building around his future at Sporting, Araújo’s stock in international football continues to rise rapidly. His ability to perform on major stages makes him one of the most vital figures in Uruguay’s revamped tactical setup.
The Indian football fraternity will monitor his performances closely over the coming weeks. As Uruguay prepares for its remaining Group H matches and the upcoming Kolkata friendly, all eyes will be on whether the 26-year-old winger can extend his historic scoring run.
Based on reports from
- Uruguay, ante Argentina: por qué Forlán eligió jugar contra el campeón de América y las diferencias que ven los futbolistas con respecto a la era Bielsa — La Nación
- “Los clásicos se ganan como sea”: frase de un uruguayo antes del partido con Argentina — TNT Sports
- El Loco Abreu habló del clásico entre la selección uruguaya y Argentina, valoró la llegada de Diego Forlán y defendió las cuatro estrellas: "No quiero que nos empaten" — El Observador
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