Uruguay squad delayed in Mexico before World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia
The Uruguay national team are stranded in Mexico due to aircraft paperwork issues just a day before their opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in Miami.
The squad, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, had been based in Cancun for their final tournament preparations.
However, their scheduled aircraft lacks the approved clearance required to cross the border into the United States.
The two-time world champions remain at their hotel complex awaiting updated travel arrangements.
Bielsa media duties disrupted
The logistical chaos means the former Leeds United boss is highly likely to miss his mandatory pre-match press conference at the Miami Stadium.
La Celeste are due to kick off their campaign against the Green Falcons on Monday before facing Cape Verde later in the week.
They will then travel back across the border to Mexico for their final group stage fixture against Spain on 27 June.
The South American side’s predicament highlights a broader pattern of administrative hurdles affecting the North American tournament.
Wider travel issues plague tournament
Somalian referee Omar Artan was recently denied entry to the United States due to vetting concerns, despite holding official Fifa approval.
The Palestinian football chief, Jibril Rajoub, has also faced significant delays in obtaining permission to enter the host nation.
Meanwhile, the Iranian football federation claims their fan ticket allocation has been unexpectedly revoked just a week before their Los Angeles fixture against New Zealand.
Fifa has also confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey had his Canadian visa application refused, preventing him from travelling to his country’s opener against Panama.
