Uruguay squad lands in US after flight delay ahead of World Cup opener | World Cup 2026
Uruguay National Team Arrives in Miami Ahead of World Cup Opener
The Uruguay national soccer team has arrived in Miami under challenging circumstances, just hours before their opening match in the 2026 World Cup against Saudi Arabia. The squad, consisting of players and support staff, landed on Sunday, June 15, less than 24 hours before kickoff.
The team attributed their travel difficulties to issues with FIFA’s organization. A delayed flight from Mexico to the United States resulted in potential sanctions for the team if head coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain José María Giménez failed to attend a mandatory news conference prior to the match.
Uruguay was unable to depart on their original flight due to administrative complications, including missing paperwork. Officials scrambled to arrange an alternative flight after the team learned at Cancun International Airport that they lacked authorization to enter the United States.
In a statement, the Uruguay Football Association (AUF) reported that a second plane was dispatched from South Florida to collect the team, which waited at a resort near Cancun until its arrival. “Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed,” the association stated, adding that the new departure time had been set for 4:15 p.m. local time.
FIFA confirmed the delay was due to a permitting error by the airline involved. “The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused,” FIFA officials stated, noting they remained in close contact with the team throughout the ordeal.
Initially scheduled to hold a news conference in South Florida, Bielsa and Giménez missed the event due to the flight issues, but it was rescheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, allowing them to participate later that evening.
Giménez addressed the situation, saying, “The trip went well; we made the most of it and saw it in a positive light.” He added that the team had the opportunity to rest while waiting in Cancun.
Bielsa addressed questions regarding the impact of the travel delays on the team’s preparations, stating, “No, the flight doesn’t cause any complications,” before focusing on their training in both Montevideo and Playa del Carmen.
Uruguay is set to face Saudi Arabia at Miami Gardens at 6 p.m. local time, giving the team a tight window to acclimate before the match. The other teams in Group H, Spain and Cape Verde, will compete in Atlanta on Monday.
Uruguay’s travel challenges add to a series of issues faced by teams participating in the World Cup. Recently, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States due to inadmissibility concerns. In contrast, the Iranian squad received visas just ten days before their first match, while striker Aymen Hussein faced lengthy interrogation at Chicago’s airport before finally being granted entry, though the team’s photographer was not allowed in.
