Uruguay’s national football team faced a travel delay before its FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia after the aircraft assigned to the squad was not cleared to enter the United States due to incomplete documentation.

The Uruguay flight clearance delay disrupted the team’s journey from Cancun, Mexico, where the squad had been training, to Miami for its scheduled World Cup fixture. The matter drew attention because Uruguay, a two-time World Cup winner, was preparing for its opening match of the tournament.

According to media reports, the aircraft arranged for the team could not enter the United States because the required paperwork had not been completed. The delay forced officials to arrange an alternative flight for the squad.

The Uruguay Football Association said the delay was caused by circumstances beyond its control. A spokesperson for the association blamed FIFA for the disruption.

FIFA, however, said the issue was linked to an airline permit error in Mexico. The world football governing body said it remained in contact with the relevant authorities to help resolve the matter.

Uruguay’s squad later reached Florida on an alternative flight.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain José María Giménez downplayed the impact of the delay, saying the incident did not significantly affect the team’s preparations.

Uruguay later played Saudi Arabia in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The incident came as several teams, officials and supporters reportedly faced visa and travel-related hurdles after the start of the World Cup, raising concerns about possible logistical challenges during the tournament.
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