Nicolas de la Cruz
UruguayMidfielderFlamengo RJNicolas de la Cruz goes into World Cup 2026 as a player trusted to connect the phases for Uruguay. He brings 34 caps and 5 goals into the tournament. Flamengo RJ provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is tempo control, pressure resistance and recovery runs through midfield.
Group H
Jun 15, 2026vs Saudi Arabia - 6:00 PM EDT
Quick Facts
Nicolas de la Cruz and Uruguay World Cup 2026 Squad
Uruguay selected Nicolas de la Cruz for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can support the build-up, compete for second balls and keep the team connected.
Cruz is part of a group of 12 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Nicolas de la Cruz brings 34 caps and 5 goals into the tournament.
Cruz's record points to trust over time, but Uruguay will still judge the details of each match.
International Record
- International record: Nicolas de la Cruz enters the tournament with 34 caps and 5 goals for Uruguay.
- World Cup 2026 role: Uruguay list Nicolas de la Cruz as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Uruguay face Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde and Spain in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cruz's World Cup value starts with tempo control, pressure resistance and recovery runs through midfield.
Cruz has to recognise when the next pass should break pressure and when the team needs control.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Uruguay start against Saudi Arabia on 15 June 2026 in Miami. For Cruz, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Cabo Verde follow on 21 June 2026 in Miami. For Cruz, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Uruguay chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 20266:00 PM EDT | Saudi Arabia | Miami Stadium, Miami |
| Jun 21, 20266:00 PM EDT |  Cabo Verde | Miami Stadium, Miami |
| Jun 26, 20266:00 PM CST |  Spain | Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Nicolas de la Cruz played 10 Serie A Betano matches for Flamengo RJ in 2026, scoring 0 goals and providing 0 assists.
Uruguay will read form through actions that show in matches, not reputation alone. Training sharpness, recovery and the scoreline can still decide Cruz's minutes.
Career Stats
Nicolas de la Cruz brings 34 caps and 5 goals into the tournament.
For Uruguay, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Cruz's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Uruguay |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Flamengo RJ |
| Caps | 34 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Born | Verified locally |
World Cup 2026 Role
Nicolas de la Cruz enters World Cup 2026 with Uruguay as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 34 caps and 5 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Uruguay will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
Uruguay start against Saudi Arabia on Jun 15, 2026 in Miami. Cabo Verde and Spain come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Nicolas de la Cruz in the Uruguay World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Nicolas de la Cruz is in Uruguay's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Nicolas de la Cruz play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Uruguay.
How many international caps and goals does Nicolas de la Cruz have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 34 caps and 5 goals for Uruguay.
Who are Uruguay's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Uruguay face Saudi Arabia, Cabo Verde and Spain in the group stage.
When is Nicolas de la Cruz's first World Cup 2026 match?
Uruguay start against Saudi Arabia on 15 June 2026 in Miami.
What is Nicolas de la Cruz's latest club form?
He plays for Flamengo RJ in the checked player facts.
More Uruguay World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Uruguay squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group H Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| 2 | Cabo Verde | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 3 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | -4 | 2 |