The two-time world champions, the Uruguay national football team, had a terrible conclusion to their campaign in the ongoing edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing all of their games in the group stage.
Uruguay, which had previously drawn with Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde, finished last in Group H after losing 0-1 to the Spanish national football team.
Federation Cancels Team’s Return Flight
The Uruguayan football federation allegedly took a harsh action as a result of the poor performance. The team’s charter trip home was cancelled by the federation, according to media reports. Instead of returning to Uruguay as a team, players were forced to arrange their own transport and return on separate commercial planes.
Tension in the camp was also caused by the early departure. While some football fans think it cruel to alter travel plans dependent on a result, others find the punishment amusing.
Marcelo Bielsa On World Cup Exit
Before the pivotal game against Spain, it was reported that a number of players had questioned head coach Marcelo Bielsa about his training techniques and tactics. Bielsa expressed his regret after Uruguay’s elimination and questioned the effect of his three years with the national team.
“I’ve left Uruguayan football nothing, because any type of support a country’s football manager can give in a country where he has worked for three years doesn’t take hold if you don’t get results,” Bielsa said.
“Fourth place in the World Cup qualifiers wasn’t worth anything, third place in the Copa América wasn’t worth anything, and obviously I don’t need to describe this showing. But if you ask me how my tenure will be remembered, as a tenure, I’ve left nothing.”
After Argentina’s early elimination from the World Cup in 2002, this is the second time Bielsa has failed to lead a side past the group stage. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he led Chile to the round of 16 with his best performance to date.