Luis Suarez has admitted he could return to international football if Uruguay national football team need him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 39-year-old striker stepped away from international duty in September 2024 following public criticism of Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
At the time, Suarez accused Bielsa of creating divisions within the national squad and suggested the atmosphere inside the dressing room had become difficult.
However, the former Liverpool and Barcelona forward has now softened his stance and hinted at a possible return before next summer’s World Cup.
“I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up,” Suarez said while speaking to reporters.
Suarez Admits Regret Over Previous Comments
Suarez acknowledged that some of his previous remarks about Bielsa were mistakes and confirmed he had apologised privately.
“At the time, I stepped aside to make way for the younger generation,” he explained.
“I said something I shouldn’t have said. I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to.”
The striker remains Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 international appearances and has represented his country at four World Cups since 2010.
Suarez was involved in several memorable moments during those tournaments, including the controversial handball against Ghana national football team in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final and the biting incident involving Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Despite his age, Suarez insists he still has the hunger to continue competing at the highest level.
“You realise you still have a little bit of life left in you,” he said.
“You get the urge to keep competing. You can see it on the pitch when you still get angry about losses and bad passes, and you still enjoy it when you score goals.”
World Cup Opportunity Still Alive
Suarez currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer alongside several former Barcelona teammates.
Uruguay have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
They are scheduled to begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia national football team in Miami on 15 June before facing Cape Verde national football team and Spain national football team in Group H.
For Bielsa, the tournament could mark his third World Cup appearance as a coach after previously managing Argentina national football team in 2002 and Chile national football team in 2010.
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