Overview
- Uruguay’s squad was held at its Mayakoba resort in Cancun after their chartered plane lacked authorization to enter the United States, leaving players at the hotel while officials arranged alternative travel.
- The Uruguayan Football Association publicly blamed FIFA for the delay, and FIFA responded that the issue was a technical problem with the aircraft rather than paperwork.
- A replacement flight was dispatched and the team boarded later on Sunday, with social media posts confirming departure and the match against Saudi Arabia still scheduled to go ahead.
- Marcelo Bielsa missed the scheduled pre-match press conference because of the delay, a missed appearance that could draw regulatory scrutiny or sanctions from tournament organizers.
- Organizers and teams are already facing other visa and entry complications at this World Cup, including denied entry for at least one referee, which raises concerns about operational strains on fixtures, officials, and fan travel.