Uruguay blame FIFA after travel chaos leaves squad arriving just 24 hours before World Cup opener

Uruguay's preparations for their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into disarray after travel problems delayed the team's arrival in the United States, prompting the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) to blame FIFA for the disruption.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are due to face Saudi Arabia in their Group H opener in Miami on Monday, but will now arrive in the United States only around 24 hours before kick-off.

According to reports in Uruguay, the charter flight carrying the squad from Cancún, Mexico, was not authorised to enter the United States, forcing officials to arrange a replacement aircraft.

In a statement, the AUF confirmed the delay.

"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 whether FIFA was responsible for the disruption, an AUF spokesperson confirmed that was the federation's position.

The delay also forced changes to Uruguay's media schedule. Bielsa and defender José María Giménez had been due to address reporters on Sunday evening in Miami, but the press conference was pushed back. Failure to fulfil FIFA's media obligations could expose the federation to disciplinary action.

The latest incident adds to Bielsa's long-running criticism of football organisers in the Americas.

During the 2024 Copa América in the United States, the veteran coach accused CONMEBOL of poor organisation, describing the governing body as "a plague of liars" over the condition of training facilities and tournament infrastructure.

Uruguay also revived memories of similar travel frustrations by reposting on social media a message from former striker Diego Forlán during the 2010 World Cup, in which he questioned why the team's charter flight had been delayed on the eve of their opening match.

The travel setback comes at a crucial stage of Uruguay's preparations as they seek to begin their World Cup campaign with a victory against Saudi Arabia.