After being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup group stage, the Uruguay team had to arrange their own travel home on commercial flights like ordinary people. - VnExpress

Uruguay lose private jet after World Cup 2026 defeat

After group stage exit at World Cup 2026, Uruguay team must arrange own travel home on commercial flights like normal people.

Decision made by Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) right after team exit with 0-1 loss to Spain. Charter plane booked to fly team from Mexico base to Montevideo cancelled. AUF stop plan for team to return together after World Cup campaign end early.

This mean players split into small groups or travel alone. Some return to Uruguay for short break before join club for new season, while others fly straight to club, depending on personal schedule.

Referee Ismail Elfath show red card to Agustin Canobbio of Uruguay in match against Spain in final round of Group H World Cup 2026 at Guadalajara, Mexico on June 26. Photo: AP

Referee Ismail Elfath show red card to Agustin Canobbio of Uruguay in match against Spain in final round of Group H World Cup 2026 at Guadalajara, Mexico on June 26. Photo: AP

Decision show disappointment in Uruguayan football. Before tournament, two-time World Cup champion expected to reach knockout stage under coach Marcelo Bielsa, after good run in South American World Cup qualifiers and third place in Copa America.

However, things quickly go wrong. Uruguay start with draw against Saudi Arabia, then held by debutant Cape Verde. Two results force them to need draw against Spain in final round to keep hope alive.

At Guadalajara on June 26, Uruguay play tough but make mistake late in first half. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, 40, spill ball after easy shot from Alex Baena, let Spain score opener. Rest of match, South American team fail to equalize and lose by minimum margin.

Key events of Uruguay 0-1 Spain match

Two points from three matches leave Uruguay third in Group H, ahead of Saudi Arabia only on goal difference. They also only team from South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) fail to pass World Cup 2026 group stage.

After loss to Spain, coach Bielsa show frustration. He get annoyed during TV interview because reporter slow to ask. At press conference, Argentine coach admit nearly three years lead Uruguay yield no worthy result.

"I leave nothing for Uruguayan football," Bielsa say. "Fourth place in World Cup qualifiers mean nothing, third place in Copa America mean nothing, and World Cup performance need no further words."

Coach, 70, likely leave team after World Cup 2026. AUF soon review campaign in US, Mexico, Canada, start search for new coach for next goals, including Uruguay host centenary World Cup match in 2030.

The former champions failed to win a single match, finishing below even Cape Verde, and were the only South American representative eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. 52