He may be considered one of the top center backs of his generation, but Ronald Araújo is still waiting to make his debut in a World Cup finals tournament.

The Uruguayan international center back was included in both the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and this year’s tournament, yet he hasn’t played a single minute!

At the 2022 World Cup, Araújo suffered a pulled hamstring, an injury that prevented him from helping his national team in the group stage matches against South Korea, Portugal, and Ghana.

The same misfortune followed him to the 2026 World Cup. The Uruguayan defender missed the first two matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde due to a muscle injury, while in the final group stage match against Spain, he remained on the bench and did not see any playing time.

Thus, despite having been named to two consecutive World Cup squads, Araújo has yet to make his debut in the world’s premier soccer tournament.

*photo source: AP