Uruguay’s World Cup campaign has hit turbulence before a single ball has been kicked. The team, currently based at a resort about 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, has been unable to fly to Miami for their Group Stage opener against Saudi Arabia after their charter plane lacked the necessary clearance to enter U.S. airspace, according to reports from the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF).
The delay stems from unresolved paperwork issues with the aircraft, which had not been approved for the Cancun-to-Miami route. The squad, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, was forced to cool their heels at the Mayakoba Complex while FIFA scrambled to find a solution.
The AUF issued a statement placing blame squarely on soccer’s governing body: “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.” An AUF spokesperson later confirmed to The Athletic that the federation holds FIFA responsible for the mishap. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The hold-up has also cast doubt on Bielsa’s pre-match press conference, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern at Miami Stadium. No new time has been announced, and the event could be canceled outright.
Reactions from Players and Fans
Uruguay legend Diego Forlán took to social media to express his frustration, posting: “Who is to blame??? Arriba Uruguay!!” — a sentiment echoed by fans online who questioned how a World Cup-bound team could be grounded by administrative failures so close to the opening whistle.
The travel chaos is the latest in a string of logistical headaches plaguing the tournament. Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States over unspecified “vetting concerns” despite being an approved FIFA official. Palestine Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub revealed Friday that he is still waiting for permission to enter the country. Meanwhile, Iran claims its fan ticket allocation has been revoked just a week before its first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, a move the Iranian federation says will “sabotage the presence of Iranian fans.”
Ghana’s Partey Denied Entry to Canada
In another high-profile incident, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was prevented from entering Canada for his team’s match against Panama due to visa issues tied to his pending legal situation in London, where he faces charges of rape and sexual assault. FIFA confirmed in a statement that Partey’s visa application “has been refused by the Canadian government.”
Uruguay is scheduled to play its first two group games in Miami — against Saudi Arabia on June 15 and Cape Verde on June 21 — before returning to Mexico for a final group match against Spain on June 27. Whether Bielsa’s side makes it to South Florida in time remains an open question.
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