Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain on June 26 sealed the team’s fate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sending them home after the group stage for the first time since 2002. For La Celeste fans, it stings. For FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, it means he gets Ronald Araujo back early.
The Uruguayan defender, who dealt with muscle issues during the tournament, is now free from international duty and available to join Barcelona’s pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
A defender without a clear role
Flick isn’t exactly short on centre-backs. The Uruguayan currently sits fifth in Flick’s pecking order at the position, behind Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen.
Uruguay finished third in Group H. For Araujo specifically, being sidelined during key matches only reinforced the narrative that his body hasn’t been cooperating with his ambitions.
