Uruguay players during training before their FIFA World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The Uruguayan men’s national team got into a paperwork controversy as the flight scheduled to take it to the United States of America could not take off on time.

Uruguay is drawn in Group H at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is set to face Saudi Arabia in its first match of the tournament at the Miami Stadium on June 15.

What happened with Team Uruguay?

Uruguay was training in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, before the FIFA World Cup 2026. It was scheduled to fly from Mexico to Miami, where the team’s pre-match press conference was scheduled, with head coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain José María Giménez.

However, the chartered flight rented by FIFA for the team reportedly did not have the necessary permits to enter the United States, causing a major delay in the team’s itinerary.

More to follow.

Published on Jun 15, 2026