Uruguay players to face disciplinary action after FIFA World Cup 2026 fiasco

Uruguay's disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has reportedly resulted in disciplinary action from the country's football association following the team's early exit from the tournament.

Marcelo Bielsa's side failed to register a single victory in the competition before crashing out in the group stage, ending a campaign that was marred by poor performances and internal unrest.

The aftermath of Uruguay's elimination has now led to consequences off the pitch, with the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) reportedly taking measures against the squad.

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Uruguay players face consequences after World Cup exit

Uruguay finished their group-stage campaign without a win, drawing two matches before suffering defeat against Spain in their final fixture. The defeat sealed their elimination and capped off a frustrating tournament for the South American nation.

The final group game was filled with setbacks, including veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera being substituted at half-time after a costly error, while midfielder Manuel Ugarte was forced off on a stretcher with a suspected knee injury.

According to reports from El Pais and Tenfield, the AUF cancelled the squad's planned charter flight back to Montevideo following the early exit.

Instead of returning together on a private aircraft, players and staff were reportedly instructed to travel home on separate commercial flights with different routes and layovers, a move widely viewed as a disciplinary response to the team's disappointing campaign.

Bielsa's future under fresh scrutiny

Uruguay's World Cup struggles were accompanied by reports of unrest within the squad before their decisive clash against Spain. Multiple reports suggested several players had grown frustrated with Bielsa's demanding training methods and tactical approach, although no major changes were made before the final group fixture.

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The disappointing campaign has intensified scrutiny over Uruguay's direction under Bielsa, with questions now surrounding the team's performances as well as the relationship between the coaching staff and players following one of the country's shortest World Cup appearances in recent history.