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Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez could step onto soccer's biggest stage for a fifth time and represent Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 37-year-old striker, who holds the record as Uruguay's all-time top scorer with 69 goals across 143 caps, had announced his retirement from international football in September 2024 following 17 years of service and four World Cup appearances (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). Now, however, Suárez appears to have left the door open, just 10 weeks before the World Cup kicks off on North American soil.
"I stepped away from the national team to give other players their chance, and because I felt the time had come when I could no longer contribute to the squad," Suárez said in an interview with Uruguayan outlet Diario Ovación.
"But if they need me, I will never turn my back on the national team. That is simply not possible—as long as I am still playing, as long as I remain active."
Though Suárez hasn't worn La Celeste's colors since September 2024, when he featured in a scoreless draw against Paraguay, the prospect of him pulling on the shirt once more is far from out of the question.
Why Suárez Could Make a 2026 World Cup Appearance
Uruguay, currently ranked 17th in the world as of Friday, has been drawn into Group H alongside World Cup contenders Spain. Marcelo Bielsa's side open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15, then take on Cape Verde on June 21, before clashing with La Roja on June 26.
The opening two fixtures will be held in Miami, just a short distance from where Suárez lives.
"You start thinking about it, turning it over in your head, and with the World Cup so close, if they need you ... what do you do," Suárez said. "I will never say no to my country, never will I say no to my country."
Since stepping away from international duty—marked by an emotional on-field tribute in his honor at the Estadio Centenario—the veteran striker has felt a diminished passion for the game, something he may be keen to rekindle.
"You hold onto that desire, that love for football, for goals, for dreams, and you always dreamed of being part of the national team," Suárez added.
"For various reasons, I made the decision [to retire], but since I left, the fire for football has faded a little."
Beyond the personal motivations that could drive a return to international football, Suárez has also been rediscovering his best form for Inter Miami in recent weeks.
Suárez, who contributed 10 goals and 11 assists last season as a regular starter, penned a new one-year deal with the club in December. He was moved to a substitute role for 2026, however, following the $15 million acquisition of new Designated Player Germán Berterame from Monterrey in late January.
Despite his significantly reduced playing time, Suárez has continued to make his presence felt on the pitch. While the high-priced Berterame remains without a goal, Suárez opened his account for the season on Saturday against Austin FC, netting a dramatic 82nd-minute strike—less than 10 minutes after coming off the bench—to salvage a crucial 2–2 draw and spare Inter Miami an embarrassing result at the unveiling of the brand-new Nu Stadium.
The Uruguayan veteran also came agonizingly close to a winner in the 90th minute, putting the ball in the net from a Lionel Messi free kick before the goal was ruled out for offside. Following his match-changing cameo, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano may look to restore Suárez to the starting eleven, having already dropped Berterame to the bench for the last two matches.
"I thought Luis looked excellent; he played a key role in securing the equalizer,"
Mascherano said. "I believe he had two other chances as well, the goal itself, plus another opportunity or two floating around the box."