Uruguay

Uruguay, La Celeste, are football's original champions, a tiny nation of three million with an outsized footballing soul defined by grit, pride, and the spirit of 'garra charrúa.' Two-time world champions and producers of stars like Luis Suárez and Diego Forlán, Uruguay punch far above their weight on the world stage.

Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural 1930 World Cup, then authored one of the sport's greatest shocks by beating Brazil in the 1950 final at the Maracanã — the 'Maracanazo' — to claim their second title. Combined with two Olympic golds, those triumphs are honored by the four stars on their crest. After decades of decline, Uruguay returned to the elite by finishing fourth in 2010, with Forlán winning the Golden Ball. Few nations carry such a glorious World Cup pedigree relative to their size.