Barca captain attended two World Cups, played zero minutes
Barca captain defender joined Uruguay squad for 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Missed both tournaments due to injury. Played zero minutes.
At World Cup 2026, coach Marcelo Bielsa called up Araujo despite calf issue before tournament. Injury started minor in early June during Montevideo training. Uruguay FA and Barca coordinated treatment. Center-back (27) flew to Spain for fast recovery under club medical supervision.
Recovery failed. Araujo tore calf muscle during high-intensity training before North America trip. Ruled out.
Ronald Araujo arrives at Miami stadium before Uruguay draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in Group H, World Cup 2026, Florida, USA, June 15, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Bielsa and staff hoped Araujo could recover for final Group H match against Spain. Crucial game, but Barca center-back left out of squad to avoid worse injury.
In press conference, Bielsa took blame for handling Araujo. Argentine coach said Araujo joined squad with minor muscle issue, then tore it in training. Bielsa said staff must take blame if player gets hurt in training, though medical team did best.
Without defensive leader, Uruguay failed. Team drew Saudi Arabia 1-1, drew Cape Verde 2-2, then lost to Spain 0-1. Got two points in three games. South Americans eliminated in group stage.
Second straight World Cup heartbreak for Araujo. Same story as four years ago. At Qatar 2022, Araujo was key player. Tore right adductor tendon in September 2022 friendly against Iran.
Injury required surgery. Raced time to recover. Coach Diego Alonso selected him, but center-back played zero minutes in Qatar. Uruguay eliminated in group stage after drawing South Korea, losing to Portugal, beating Ghana.
Two World Cups, six group stage squad selections, zero appearances. Rare for elite football, especially for top-tier center-back.
Araujo (27) started in Uruguay, joined Barca at 20 in 2019. Named Barca captain in January 2026 after Marc-Andre ter Stegen left. 1.91m defender struggles with injuries.
Uruguay group stage exit changed Araujo recovery plan. Round of 16 spot would give him chance to play knockouts. Spain loss ended hope.
Araujo gets weeks of rest to heal calf before returning to Barca for pre-season. Will miss mid-July training start. Likely ready for St George's Park camp in England (late July to early August).
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