The disappointment has continued for the Uruguay players following their dismal exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The two-time winners were eliminated from the group stage with only two points after losing to Spain in Guadalajara.
It was a hugely disappointing campaign from Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who have faced huge criticism for their timid performances.
Three games yielded zero wins and two draws, including a 2-2 draw against tournament minnows Cape Verde.
Now, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) have reportedly taken some drastic action.
AUF ‘cancel charter flight from the US’ for players
According to journalist Martin Charquero on social media platform X, the AUF have decided to cancel their charter flight back from the World Cup.
Instead, the players will reportedly take commercial flights home.
Their reasoning is unclear, although the fact the reported decision was made after such a dismal World Cup campaign can hardly be ignored.
Uruguayan football is undergoing a bleak period on the World Cup stage. After finishing fourth in the 2010 edition in South Africa, they haven’t made it further than the quarter-finals since.
They have exited at the group at the last two tournaments and the manner of their exit at this year’s competition feels particularly bleak.
Bielsa, one of the most talked about coaches in soccer over the past few years, has endured a largely miserable tenure in charge since taking the job back in 2023.
The former Leeds coach blamed himself for the manner of their World Cup campaign and is expected to leave his post shortly.
Bielsa has previously managed his native Argentina at the World Cup, although that too ended in a group stage exit back in 2002.
He did, however, lead Chile to the round of 16 at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
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