In a stark response to Uruguay's disappointing early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has cancelled the national team's charter flight home. The decision comes after La Celeste suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, confirming their elimination from the group stage.
Instead of travelling together on a private flight from their base camp in Mexico, players will now return to Montevideo on separate commercial flights. The move, confirmed by outlets including El País and Tenfield, is seen by many as a punitive measure reflecting frustration with the team's performance under coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Uruguay cancels charter flight for players after disappointing World Cup exit
Images circulating on social media captured the dejection on the pitch, including from goalkeeper Rochet and a visibly stern Bielsa. The AUF has not issued an official statement on the reasoning, but the decision has sparked widespread debate online, with reactions ranging from support for accountability to criticism of the approach as overly harsh. Uruguay's campaign ends with questions over squad unity and future preparations ahead of the next major tournaments.
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