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WILL MANFRED UGALDE PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Manfred Ugalde is one of the most promising—and now established—players in Costa Rican football. The young striker has demonstrated talent, maturity, and a knack for scoring goals both at European clubs and with the Costa Rican national team. But the million-dollar question among fans is clear: will he be at the 2026 World Cup? In this article, we bring you everything you need to know: how he's been playing, his most recent statistics, his history with the national team (including his resignation and return), and why he's one of the names that most excites Costa Rican fans to shine in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

How is he performing in Europe?


Manfred Ugalde currently plays for Spartak Moscow, after making a big impression at FC Twente in the Netherlands. At 23 years old, the Costa Rican already has experience in demanding leagues and has shown that he can be lethal in front of goal. His playing style combines mobility, a good first touch, and an innate ability to find space between center-backs.


2024-2025 Season: Killer Stats


As of October 2025, Ugalde has played 34 matches for Spartak, scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists in the Russian Premier League and European competitions. He has started in 85% of the matches and has earned the respect of the Russian fans for his commitment and goal-scoring instinct.


  • Goals per game: 0.44

  • Shots on target per game: 3.2

  • Shoot conversion rate: 68%

  • Goals with weaker foot: 5

  • Duels won per game: 6.1


Despite the change in culture and climate, Ugalde adapted quickly to Russian football. Furthermore, he has greatly improved his back-to-goal play and his ability to link up with the wingers, something he was previously criticized for.


He's at the perfect point: young, experienced, on a scoring streak, and hungry for more. Everything indicates that he could arrive at the World Cup in his best physical and footballing form.


What role does he have in the Costa Rican national team?


Ugalde's history with the Costa Rican national team has been intense. He debuted young, but in 2021 he temporarily resigned due to differences with the coaching staff. He returned in 2023 with a vengeance, and since then he has been part of coach Gustavo Alfaro's plans, who has trusted him as one of the team's main strikers.


Stats with the National Team (updated to October 2025)


  • Matches played: 26

  • Goals: 7

  • Assist: 4

  • Minutes per goal: 181

  • Present in all 2025 squads

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

What do the experts say and what are some interesting facts?


From local analysts to international media, everyone agrees that Manfred Ugalde has a world-class level of play. ESPN included him on its list of “young players who could make a splash in 2026,” while former players like Bryan Ruiz have praised his maturity: “He has composure, he has a nose for goal, and he has vision. I would have loved to play with him,” said the legendary Costa Rican number 10.


Some interesting facts about Ugalde


  • He made his professional debut with Saprissa at 16 years old.

  • He scored in his first Concacaf Champions League match.

  • He was chosen as the Eredivisie Young Player of the Year in 2023.

  • He speaks fluent English and He has taken courses in sports leadership. He admires Karim Benzema for his intelligent and lethal style. He is also known for being reserved off the field. He doesn't do social media or controversy: he focuses on training, improving, and competing. That mentality has opened doors for him and made him a reliable player for any coach. If Costa Rica manages to qualify for the World Cup (something that is well on track), everything indicates that Ugalde will be among the 26 players called up. And not only that: he could arrive as the starting striker, with international experience and a thirst for World Cup revenge after what he experienced in Qatar.

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