Ronald Araujo was the only Barcelona player eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup after Uruguay lost their last group match to Spain (1-0). His participation in the tournament ended without playing any minutes, repeating the pattern from the 2022 World Cup.
Before the World Cup, Araujo suffered a mild calf muscle injury that prevented him from being available for Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa. He traveled quickly to Madrid for treatment, hoping to recover in time, but ultimately did not play any games for his national team.
Uruguay struggled in the tournament without Araujo, managing only draws against Saudi Arabia (1-1) and Cape Verde (2-2), which led to criticism in South America for their underwhelming performance.
At the previous World Cup in Qatar, Araujo was also called up by Diego Alonso but missed playing after a serious injury in a friendly against Iran—a tear of the right thigh’s long adductor tendon—which required surgery.
After the 2026 World Cup, Araujo will spend several weeks resting and recovering from his calf injury before rejoining Barcelona’s preseason preparations. Although he is not expected to attend the first training day on July 13, he should join the squad for the training camp at St. George’s Park between July 27 and August 3.
Araujo’s World Cup experience has been marked by injury challenges, but he has the opportunity to regain form and contribute fully at club level and in future international competitions.
