Uruguay's World Cup flight delayed due to FIFA miscommunication

Uruguay's national team faced a significant setback less than 24 hours before their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia. Their scheduled flight from Cancún to Miami was grounded due to missing documentation, allegedly caused by FIFA's failure to arrange necessary permits for the overland journey. The Uruguayan Football Association indicated that the situation was beyond their control, and they worked diligently to secure a replacement flight. FIFA attributed the issue to the airline, which acknowledged the delay. Coach Marcelo Bielsa insisted the circumstances did not affect the team's preparations, although captain José María Giménez described the complications as challenging ahead of their upcoming match. A flight was eventually arranged with a delay.

• 6:56 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA blunder? World Cup team’s plane grounded