Uruguay kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualification with a convincing 3-0 home win over Peru on September 5, 2025. La Celeste, led by a new generation of stars, showcased their trademark grit and quality to dispatch their opponents comfortably. Uruguay scored an early goal to settle any nerves and controlled the tempo of the match, adding a second just before the interval. They sealed the victory with a third goal in the second half, with their defense rarely troubled by a subdued Peruvian attack. This strong start is crucial for Uruguay's ambitions in a marathon 18-match qualification schedule, immediately applying pressure to their rivals. Manager Marcelo Bielsa praised his team's execution of the game plan, while Peru's coach highlighted the difficulty of playing away in Montevideo.