By Chiemeka ugwowo
Uruguay’s World Cup Build-Up Disrupted
as Team Plane Denied Entry into United States
Uruguay’s preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia have been thrown into chaos after their national team aircraft was reportedly refused entry into the United States.
The South American side are scheduled to face Saudi Arabia in their opening Group H fixture in Miami, Florida, on Monday at 11pm, having been based in Cancun, Mexico, for their pre-match training camp.
However, the squad’s travel plans were disrupted on Sunday, creating what has been described as a major logistical setback ahead of the match.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa and defender José María Giménez were also expected to attend pre-match media duties, but the incident forced a change of plans for the delegation.
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has reportedly blamed FIFA for the travel complications, escalating tensions just days before their World Cup campaign begins.
