[Sportschosun, Reporter Jang Jong-ho] The Uruguayan Football Association has reportedly canceled the national team's charter flight home after a shocking group-stage performance at the World Cup.
According to foreign media, Uruguay finished third in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two draws and one loss, earning just two points against Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. It opened with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, then was held to an unexpected draw by Cape Verde in its second match. In the final game, it lost 1-0 to Spain.
Failing to advance even as a third-place team into the round of 32, Uruguay suffered the embarrassment of being eliminated in the group stage for a second straight tournament.
After the matches, fans' anger reached a boiling point, and internal conflict within the squad also surfaced. Rumors of discord grew after captain Federico Valverde was seen refusing to speak with coach Marcelo Bielsa after being substituted.
Some media outlets reported that many players were dissatisfied with Bielsa and, together with senior association officials, were pushing for his dismissal.
Throughout the tournament, Bielsa showed visible discomfort in interviews with the media, and after the loss he also voiced his frustration publicly to reporters. Local observers say there is a strong chance he will part ways with the national team after this tournament.
The Uruguayan Football Association expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the results and the team atmosphere, canceled the charter flight for the squad's return, and arranged for the players to travel home on individual flights.
Reporter Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
