Uruguay Squad's US Entry Delayed Ahead of World Cup 2026 Match

The Uruguayan national football team experienced an unexpected hurdle in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign preparations, as their flight to the United States was grounded in Mexico. The squad, under the guidance of coach Marcelo Bielsa, was reportedly unable to depart from Playa del Carmen for Miami due to missing essential documentation for their aircraft, just hours before their scheduled Group H opener against Saudi Arabia.

This administrative misstep meant the team's travel plans were thrown into disarray. According to reports, the necessary paperwork, required under United States regulations for their flight, had not been secured in a timely manner, with local media pointing to FIFA as responsible for the oversight. The delay threatened to disrupt crucial pre-match activities, including press conferences and final training sessions, ahead of their highly anticipated tournament debut.

The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) worked diligently with FIFA to resolve the situation. After a period of uncertainty, the issue was rectified, allowing the two-time World Cup champions to finally take off for Miami. This incident highlights the complex logistical challenges involved in managing international teams during a major global event like the FIFA World Cup, which will see 48 teams competing across 16 venues in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June and July 2026.