Uruguay blamed FIFA after major travel disruption delayed the squad’s arrival in the United States ahead of Monday’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side had planned to travel from Cancún to Miami on Sunday, but authorities reportedly refused clearance for the team’s original aircraft to enter the United States. The delay forced officials to arrange a replacement plane, leaving Uruguay due to arrive barely 24 hours before kick-off.
The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed the disruption in a statement.
“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.”
When asked directly whether FIFA carried responsibility for the issue, an AUF spokesperson replied: “Correct.”
FIFA later pointed towards airline paperwork problems 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.
“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.”
Uruguay still trained in Cancún on Sunday morning before eventually travelling to Florida. Bielsa and defender Jose Maria Gimenez also attended a delayed press conference in Miami later that evening.
The incident reopened tensions between Bielsa and football authorities in the Americas. During the 2024 Copa América in the United States, Bielsa attacked tournament organisers over pitch conditions and logistics, calling Conmebol “a plague of liars”.
Uruguay now face a compressed build-up before meeting Saudi Arabia in Group F at Miami on Monday evening.
