Franco Israel expresses regret over decreased role at Sporting: "Moved from excess to scarcity"
Uruguayan goalkeeper Franco Israel has been called up by Marcelo Bielsa for the national team's training ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Venezuela. Israel joined the team's training on Thursday, conveyed confidence in Uruguay's ability to qualify for the finals, which could be secured in early June.
Upon his arrival at the Uruguayan national team's training camp, Israel expressed his thoughts to the El Observador newspaper. He acknowledged that while more teams are now qualifying, the level of competition and the intensity of the matches remain as challenging as ever.
Reflecting on his season at Sporting CP, Israel highlighted the success of winning two titles, particularly the Portuguese championship, and the disappointment of losing the cup in the final last year. Playing for Sporting CP, a top-tier European club, has been an essential step in his career development, offering high-level competition and international exposure.
Despite the ups and downs throughout the season, Israel feels he had a good season overall. He emphasized the importance of consistency and expressed his readiness to seize opportunities should they arise.
In the context of the 2026 World Cup qualification, Israel's role as a goalkeeper could play a crucial part in Uruguay's defensive solidity. Currently third in the South American qualifiers, Israel's performance during these matches could significantly impact Uruguay's chances of earning a World Cup spot. Meanwhile, his participation in the qualifiers is likely to provide him with valuable experience, enhancing his profile both domestically and internationally.
With his involvement in Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers and his experience at Sporting CP, Israel stands poised for future success. His performance will be critical in determining both his personal growth and Uruguay's prospects in the qualifiers.
In an interview with El Observador, Israel discussed his season at Sporting CP, expressing his appreciation for the sports-analysis that helped him understand the Port's sports strategy, leading to their successful football campaigns, such as winning the Portuguese championship. His honed skills and experience are expected to play a significant role during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, contributing to Uruguayan sports excellence.
