- Uruguay’s World Cup Build-Up Thrown Into Chaos After Travel Delay Ahead of Saudi Arabia Clash
Uruguay’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback after a travel disruption delayed the team’s arrival in Miami ahead of their opening Group E encounter against Saudi Arabia.
The South American giants were left stranded in Mexico on Sunday after an aircraft scheduled to transport the squad from Cancun to the United States reportedly lacked the necessary clearance to operate the route. The incident sparked frustration within the Uruguayan camp and led to an exchange of blame between the country’s football federation and FIFA.
Marcelo Bielsa’s squad had been based in Cancun for the final phase of their preparations before travelling to Miami for Monday’s showdown against Saudi Arabia. However, the team’s departure was unexpectedly halted because of permit and documentation problems affecting the chartered flight.
With no immediate solution available, the players and coaching staff remained at the Mayakoba Complex resort near Cancun International Airport while officials worked to resolve the situation.
FIFA later released a statement confirming that the disruption had been caused by an airline error.
“Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team’s departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed,” FIFA explained. “The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused.
“FIFA remained in close contact with the Uruguay national team throughout their delay and worked alongside airport and operational partners to help expedite the process and minimise disruption to the team’s travel arrangements.”
Before FIFA’s clarification, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) had publicly pointed fingers at football’s governing body over the confusion.
“Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed,” the federation stated. “The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4:15 pm.”
The delay also threatened to disrupt Bielsa’s pre-match schedule. The veteran coach had been expected to address the media during an official press conference at Miami Stadium on Sunday evening.
Uruguay legend Diego Forlán reacted angrily on social media as news of the delay spread, questioning who should be held responsible while rallying support behind the national team.
The incident is the latest in a series of logistical and travel complications surrounding the expanded 2026 World Cup across North America.
Somalian referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States because of unspecified vetting concerns, despite being included on FIFA’s approved officials list.
Meanwhile, Palestinian football official Jibril Rajoub disclosed that he was still awaiting permission to enter the country only days before the tournament.
Iran’s football federation has also raised concerns after claiming that ticket allocations for its supporters had been revoked shortly before the team’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Federation officials warned that the decision could severely affect Iranian fan attendance during the tournament.
Elsewhere, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was unable to travel to Canada after his visa application was refused by Canadian authorities. FIFA confirmed that the player would miss Ghana’s opening fixture against Panama.
Despite the disruption, Uruguay are still expected to fulfil their opening World Cup fixture against Saudi Arabia in Miami before facing Cape Verde in their second group match on June 21. Bielsa’s side will then return to Mexico for a final group-stage showdown against Spain on June 27.
