The Uruguayan national football team has been denied permission to enter the United States just hours before their 2026 World Cup opening match against Saudi Arabia. The squad was scheduled to face Saudi Arabia in their Group H fixture in Miami, Florida, on Monday night, but a logistical crisis has thrown their preparations into chaos.
Travel Chaos Unfolds
Uruguay had been based in Cancun, Mexico, for pre-match training. The plane chartered to transport the team to Miami was refused authorisation to enter the United States. A replacement aircraft was eventually secured, but the delay forced the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) to issue a statement blaming FIFA for the disruption.
“Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed,” the AUF said. “The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4.15pm.” An AUF spokesperson confirmed that FIFA was responsible for the delays.
Potential Sanctions
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa and defender Jose Maria Gimenez were due to address the media on Sunday, but their absence could lead to sanctions from FIFA. This is not the first time Bielsa has faced logistical issues in the United States. He previously criticised the organisation of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America, claiming that facilities were substandard and that the US had created FIFAGate when its interests were threatened.
Broader Travel Issues
Uruguay’s ordeal is part of a wider pattern of travel difficulties affecting several nations. Omar Artan, an authorised staff member, was denied entry to the US. Iran also reported that its supporter ticket allocations were withdrawn, though the squad itself arrived after a peace agreement announcement by Donald Trump. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi expressed frustration, saying, “I’ve been to three World Cups, and they always say once you get off the plane… there’s just a unique atmosphere of friendliness… Unfortunately, I’m not feeling it right now.”
