Tue Mar 25 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Uruguay’s Bielsa Faces High-Altitude Test in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

**LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)** — Uruguay, despite their historical World Cup qualification success, faces growing anxiety as they head into a critical qualifier against Bolivia in El Alto on Tuesday. Marcelo Bielsa’s team has only secured one victory in their last six matches, adding pressure to their bid for a place in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Following a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Argentina on Friday, Uruguay slipped to fourth place in the South American qualifying standings with 20 points, just ahead of Paraguay on goal difference. Argentina leads with 28 points, followed by Ecuador (22) and Brazil (21). The top six teams qualify automatically, while the seventh-place team enters an intercontinental playoff.

The match in El Alto, at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,600 feet), presents a significant challenge. Bielsa plans to utilize players accustomed to high-altitude conditions, such as Rodrigo Aguirre, Sebastián Cáceres, and Brian Rodríguez from Club América of Mexico, to mitigate the effects of the thin air. He notably omitted midfielders Giorgian De Arrascaeta (injured) and Nicolás De La Cruz from the squad.

Bolivia, currently seventh with 13 points, also needs a win to maintain their position. Coach Óscar Villegas aims to exploit the altitude and tire their visitors through quick transitions. The Bolivian team is expected to field Miguel Terceros, Roberto Fernández, and Carmelo Algarañaz in their attack.

A win for Bolivia could have major implications, as Argentina, who play Brazil later that day, could secure their qualification with a Bolivian upset. Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United, acknowledging the difficulties of playing at altitude, emphasized the importance of compactness and ball possession. The match will be played at the Municipal de Villa Ingenio stadium in El Alto.

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