Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has named his team for the World Cup Group A clash against France on Friday with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios surprise choices.

Turn up for the books: Uruguay coach has made two surprise choices for his team's opening match against France.

They are the only two changes to the side which defeated Israel 4-1 in Uruguay's only World Cup warm-up match on May 26.

Victorino, who plays in Chile with Universidad de Chile, replaces Andres Scotti of Colo Colo, also in the Chilean top flight.

Arevalo Rios takes over from Napoli's Walter Gargano in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

"The system we have chosen can adapt to the different things we could face against France," said Tabarez.

Up front, star striker Diego Forlan will be partnered by Luis Suarez, who scored 35 goals for Ajax in the Dutch championship last season.