The Uruguay Football Association (AUF) made this decision immediately after the national team exited the tournament following a 0-1 loss to Spain. The private jet, originally booked to transport the entire squad from their headquarters in Mexico to Montevideo, was canceled. The AUF no longer maintains plans for the team to return together after the World Cup campaign concluded earlier than expected.

This means players will divide into smaller groups or travel individually. Some will return to Uruguay for a short break before rejoining their respective clubs to prepare for the new season, while others will fly directly to their clubs' training camps, depending on their individual schedules.

Referee Ismail Elfath shows a red card to Uruguay's Agustin Canobbio during their final Group H match against Spain at the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico on 26/6. Photo: AP

This decision reflects the widespread disappointment in Uruguayan football. Before the tournament, the two-time World Cup winners were expected to reach the knockout stage under coach Marcelo Bielsa, especially after a positive performance in the South American World Cup qualifiers and securing third place in the Copa America.

However, things quickly went awry. Uruguay opened their campaign with a draw against Arab Saudi, then were held to a draw by newcomer Cape Verde. These two results meant they needed at least a draw against Spain in their final group match to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

On 26/6 in Guadalajara, Uruguay played aggressively but made a critical mistake late in the first half. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera, spilled a relatively easy shot from Alex Baena, allowing Spain to score the opening goal. For the remainder of the match, the South American side could not find an equalizer and ultimately lost by the minimum margin.

Key moments: Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Earning only two points from three matches, Uruguay finished third in Group H, ahead of Arab Saudi only on goal difference. They were also the only team from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) not to advance past the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Following the loss to Spain, coach Bielsa did not hide his frustration. He appeared annoyed during a television interview when the reporter was slow to begin asking questions. At the subsequent press conference, the Argentine coach admitted that his nearly three years leading Uruguay had not yielded worthy results.

"I have left nothing for Uruguayan football", Bielsa stated. "Fourth place in the World Cup qualifiers means nothing, third place in the Copa America means nothing, and the World Cup performance speaks for itself."

The 70-year-old coach will likely depart the national team after the 2026 World Cup. The AUF will soon evaluate the entire campaign in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and begin searching for a new coach for upcoming objectives, including Uruguay being one of the host nations for a match celebrating the 100th anniversary of the World Cup in 2030.

Hoang An (according to Marca)