Uruguay Land in Miami After Flight Chaos Before World Cup Opener
Uruguay reached the United States less than 24 hours before kickoff against Saudi Arabia after a travel ordeal they blamed on FIFA. FIFA pointed to an airline permitting error in Mexico.
U ruguay’s national team landed in Miami on Sunday after a travel ordeal, arriving less than 24 hours before kickoff in their Group H opener against Saudi Arabia.
Blocked at the airport
Uruguay had been training in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and held a session there on Sunday. When the delegation reached the airport in Cancun, around 72km away, they were told the group was not authorised to enter the United States. The original flight reportedly could not depart because of administrative issues, including missing paperwork, and officials scrambled to arrange a replacement.
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) said a second plane from South Florida was sent to collect the squad while the players waited at a resort outside Cancun. "Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed," it said, adding that FIFA had set a new departure time.
FIFA responds
Uruguay blamed FIFA, which oversees all travel for the 48-team tournament. FIFA later said the delay was caused by "an airline permitting error in Mexico" and that the airline had apologised, adding that it had worked with airport and operational partners to expedite the process and minimise disruption.
Bielsa and Gimenez at the late presser
Coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain Jose Maria Gimenez missed the originally scheduled news conference in South Florida, which was pushed back to 8pm Eastern Time, where both then appeared. Uruguay had reportedly faced the threat of sanction if the pair could not attend the mandatory media duty.
"The trip went well, we made the most of it and saw it in a positive light," Gimenez said. "We took the chance to rest at the hotel." Bielsa, leading his third different nation at a World Cup, played down the disruption. "No, the flight doesn’t cause any complications," he said.
Not the only travel issue
Uruguay are the latest team to face travel trouble at this World Cup. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US, Iran were granted visas only 10 days before their opener, and Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was held for hours at Chicago’s airport before being allowed in. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia open Group H at Miami Gardens.
Reporting: based on reporting by Al Jazeera and Reuters, plus statements from the AUF and FIFA, June 15, 2026.