2026 World Cup: Uruguay delayed on the eve of their opener against Saudi Arabia

World Cup 2026 Today at 17:21

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

The Uruguayan national team has been hit with an unexpected setback just hours before their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Saudi Arabia in Miami.

According to several reports from sources close to the delegation, the flight scheduled to transport the team from Mexico was temporarily grounded due to administrative issues related to entry permits for the United States.

These same sources indicate that the Uruguayan delegation was left waiting at a hotel complex in Playa del Carmen while the relevant authorities and tournament organizers worked to find an alternative transport solution.

A new aircraft is reportedly being prepared to fly the team to Miami in the coming hours. This urgent logistical situation is also mobilizing the tournament’s organizing bodies.

This uncertainty could also disrupt the team’s media schedule, including the pre-match press conference with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

On the pitch, Uruguay is set to face Saudi Arabia in their Group H opener in Miami.