Uruguay blame FIFA after travel disruption ahead of Saudi Arabia World Cup opener
TLE DESK: Uruguay have blamed FIFA for a major travel disruption that delayed the team’s arrival in the United States ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side had been scheduled to travel from Cancún, Mexico, to Miami on Sunday, but the squad’s departure was delayed after authorities reportedly refused clearance for the team’s original aircraft to enter the United States.
The setback forced organisers to arrange a replacement plane, leaving Uruguay due to arrive in Miami less than 24 hours before their Group F clash with Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) confirmed the disruption in a statement, saying the delay was caused by circumstances beyond its control.
“Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4:15pm,” the association said.
When asked whether FIFA was responsible for the issue, an AUF spokesperson responded affirmatively.
FIFA, however, attributed the disruption to airline documentation issues rather than tournament operations.
“Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team’s departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed,” FIFA said in a statement.
“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.”
Despite the delay, Uruguay completed a training session in Cancún on Sunday morning before eventually travelling to Florida. Bielsa and defender José María Giménez later attended a delayed press conference in Miami.
The incident has revived memories of Bielsa’s criticism of football authorities during the 2024 Copa América in the United States, when the veteran coach strongly criticised tournament organisers over logistics and playing conditions.
Uruguay now face a shortened preparation period before taking on Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener in Miami on Monday evening.
