Doha, Qatar: Uruguay's disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign took another dramatic turn after the national team cancelled its charter flight home following its group-stage elimination. Players and staff will now return individually, either heading directly to their clubs or travelling home separately.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Uruguayan Football Association cancelled the planned charter flight from the team's base camp in Mexico to Montevideo, describing the decision as a reflection of the disappointment surrounding the team's unexpected early exit from the tournament.
Reports also suggested tensions emerged within the Uruguay camp before the decisive group-stage clash against Spain, with captain Federico Valverde and several senior players reportedly disagreeing with head coach Marcelo Bielsa over the tactical approach for the crucial match.
Uruguay finished third in Group H with just two points after draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The two-time world champions failed to qualify for the expanded Round of 32, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
