Uruguay team stranded in Mexico as flight to Miami denied U.S. entry

Uruguay's national football team is facing an unexpected travel crisis just hours before their World Cup debut. The team is currently stranded at their training center in Cancun, Mexico, as the chartered aircraft designated to transport them to Miami is unable to land in the United States due to issues with its paperwork.

According to Uruguayan media reports, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) is urgently seeking a solution to ensure the team arrives in Miami before the 7 p.m. Eastern Time deadline. The exact plan remains unconfirmed, but speculation suggests they are attempting to secure an alternative aircraft that meets U.S. entry regulations. The flight was reportedly ready for departure when the airport terminal notified them that the necessary permits were not in order.

This logistical snag has forced Marcelo Bielsa's squad to reschedule pre-match activities, including a press conference. The team is currently at the Mayakoba complex, awaiting resolution. The AUF has officially communicated that the new departure time is set for 4:15 p.m. Cancun time, which would ensure their arrival in Miami just within the deadline.

The situation has drawn parallels to a similar incident during the 2024 Copa America, where Uruguay's team experienced a significant delay traveling from Las Vegas to Charlotte for a semifinal match due to mechanical issues with their plane. This past event has heightened concerns about the team's travel arrangements as they prepare for their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

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The chartered flight – rented by FIFA – did not have the necessary permits and they are reportedly managing to update the plane's permits so that it can enter Miami airport.