Uruguay's preparations for their opening World Cup game against Saudi Arabia were severely disrupted after their flight from Mexico was hit by multiple delays. The squad, led by coach Marcelo Bielsa, had been due to fly from Cancún to Fort Lauderdale early on Sunday afternoon, but paperwork issues relating to the plane led to their initial flight being cancelled.
Travel Chaos Unfolds
The team had been training in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, before heading to Cancún International Airport, where their problems began. A second plane was commissioned to take Uruguay to South Florida, but that flight was also delayed, and they eventually arrived for the pre-match press conference at Miami Stadium several hours late.
Bielsa, typically taciturn, downplayed the impact of the delay. "The flight caused no problems," he said. However, captain José María Giménez was more candid, describing the situation as "difficult." An Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) spokesperson agreed that FIFA was ultimately responsible for the delays.
The AUF released a statement saying: "Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4.15pm." AUF officials later expressed their frustration by posting a message from former striker Diego Forlán from 2010, complaining about a similar delay before the 2010 World Cup.
Wider World Cup Travel Issues
Uruguay's travel chaos is the latest example of issues caused by FIFA's decision to stage the World Cup in three separate countries for the first time. Iran have been unable to obtain visas for many of their backroom team to enter the US from Mexico, while Ghana's Thomas Partey was denied a visa by Canada due to a rape charge in the UK.
Uruguay trained earlier on Sunday before heading to the airport. They have been based in Playa del Carmen for their buildup. Bielsa is leading Uruguay at a World Cup for the first time, having previously coached Argentina and Chile. His three-year reign has not been smooth, with calls for his resignation after a 5-1 friendly defeat to the US last November.
Bielsa refused to quit, and two draws against England and Algeria calmed nerves. Uruguay have not played since March, with Bielsa choosing not to sanction any pre-tournament friendlies.
Fan Support and Key Players
Uruguay will have the support of about 10,000 fans in the US, many of whom have been visible in Miami. Hopes are pinned on midfielder Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid captain. "From the moment he became a part of our team, the influence of his game was seen," Bielsa said. "He is so resourceful. We try to have possession, go forward, and attack. We are facing a good team."
Saudi Arabia's Troubled Buildup
Saudi Arabia have also endured a troubled buildup. Manager George Donis will lead the team for the first time in a competitive match on Monday. The former Greece international, who spent four years in England, was appointed in April after the dismissal of Hervé Renard. Donis has coached at four Saudi Pro League clubs and knows the players well.
Representatives of the Saudi Football Federation are present as they look ahead to hosting the tournament in 2034. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not believed to have travelled, but he is likely to monitor matches closely.
Saudi Arabia have not kept a clean sheet for eight games and scored only seven goals in 10 qualifying matches. Donis acknowledged the challenge: "I feel our group is one of the toughest. I've been training the team for 12 sessions. The days were not enough. There's a disadvantage, but the players have shown I can trust them."
Rather than the shock victory over Argentina in 2022, Donis wants his players to seek inspiration from the 1994 World Cup, when Saudi Arabia reached the last 16. "It's important the players draw inspiration from this achievement," he said.
