Uruguay's football federation has refuted reports suggesting the national team's charter flight was cancelled following its disappointing group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The clarification came after widespread speculation that players were being forced to return on commercial flights as a consequence of the team's poor campaign in the United States.
Uruguay, one of football's most successful nations with two World Cup titles, failed to register a single victory in Group H. Draws against Saudi Arabia and tournament debutants Cabo Verde, followed by a narrow defeat to Spain, ended their campaign before the knockout stage. The unexpected elimination triggered criticism back home and fuelled reports of internal unrest within the squad.
Federation says return plan was always unchanged
According to Mint, the Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) rejected claims that it had withdrawn charter flight arrangements as punishment for the team's early exit. In an official statement, the federation explained that the outbound journey required a charter aircraft because more than 150 members of the delegation travelled together with over five tonnes of luggage and equipment.
The AUF said the return journey had never been planned as a charter operation because many players and staff were expected to travel directly to their clubs in different countries after the tournament. With the delegation splitting into smaller groups, commercial flights were considered the quickest and most practical option for everyone involved.
According to the federation, members of the remaining official delegation began returning home on June 28 and are expected to arrive in Uruguay in separate batches.
Also Read | Africa scripts World Cup history with nine teams in Round of 32
Players and coach reflect on disappointing campaign
According to Mint, Uruguay captain Jose Maria Gimenez admitted the squad had let supporters down after the country's earliest World Cup exit in years. He apologised to fans and described the result as deeply painful, acknowledging that the team had failed to meet expectations despite entering the tournament among South America's strongest sides.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa also painted a bleak picture of his tenure. Reflecting on three years in charge, Bielsa suggested his spell would not be remembered positively because the team had fallen short in key competitions, including the Copa America and now the World Cup.
Also Read | Does Argentina have the upper hand? Defending champions got favourable FIFA World Cup knockout route
Pressure grows after surprise elimination
According to Mint, ranked 16th in the world before the tournament, Uruguay became the highest-ranked nation to crash out before the round of 32. Cabo Verde's historic qualification added to the disappointment, while reports in international media claimed tensions had emerged within the dressing room before the decisive defeat against Spain.
Although the federation has put to rest speculation surrounding the team's travel arrangements, attention is now shifting to Uruguay's future under Bielsa. With criticism mounting and questions surrounding the team's direction, the federation faces important decisions as it begins preparations for the next international cycle.
