With players preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) officially inaugurated phases three and four of its long-running redevelopment of the Complejo Celeste training centre in Canelones on Thursday, 4 June.

Supported by the FIFA Forward Programme, the latest phases involved the renovation of an artificial pitch and its irrigation system, plus the transformation of more than 15,400m² of previously underused space into functional high-performance training areas. The project also delivered Uruguay's first hybrid grass pitch, now in active use by the national team.

A USD 1.5 million investment in infrastructure

The current phases represent an investment of approximately USD 1.5 million. When combined with phase one — the acquisition of land — and phase two, which covered renovations to changing rooms and offices, total FIFA Forward Programme funding for the full project reaches around USD 3.2 million.

The new artificial pitch replaces one installed in 2011 and features FIFA Quality Pro-certified turf, a shock-absorbing layer designed to reduce injury risk, and a smart irrigation system supplied by its own dedicated water infrastructure.

Green areas previously used for general gardening — generating operational costs without any sporting value — have been converted into active training zones. These spaces now serve warm-ups, goalkeeper sessions, and individual drills, reducing wear on the main pitches and expanding the site's overall capacity.

Officials celebrate the milestone

The inauguration was led by AUF president Ignacio Alonso and attended by Uruguayan president Yamandú Orsi and Rafael Arias, head of FIFA's Regional Office in Asunción, Paraguay. FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the gathering via video message.