Uruguay Lands in Miami After Delayed Flight Due to Document Problems

JAKARTA - The flight of the Uruguay National Team (Timnas) from Mexico to the United States ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup was delayed on Sunday, June 14, 2026, due to a lack of the necessary documents for the charter flight provided by FIFA.

The team is scheduled to fly to Miami, Florida, from their base in Playa del Carmen.

"Due to problems beyond AUF's (Uruguay Football Federation) control, departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 16.15 (local time)," AUF said in a statement.

FIFA later explained the delay, insisting that the airline was responsible for the situation.

"Due to a mistake in the licensing of the airline in Mexico, the departure of the Uruguayan national team from Cancun to Miami was delayed. The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused."

"FIFA remains in close contact with the Uruguay national team during their delay and is working with airport and operational partners to help speed up the process and minimize disruption to the team's travel arrangements," FIFA said in a statement.

Uruguay have landed in Miami and held a delayed press conference, featuring coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain Jose Maria Gimenez.

Despite the change in schedule, Bielsa said the flight situation would not cause problems for the team ahead of the match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, morning WIB.

"We had some complications. It was difficult, but we actually used it because we could rest at the hotel," said Gimenez.

Uruguay are in World Cup Group H with Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain.