Uruguay’s men’s national team is eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing in the group stage and losing 1-0 to Spain, a result that ends their campaign earlier than expected. The team’s departure is also marked by an administrative fallout: the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) cancels the charter flight that had been arranged to bring the full squad back together to Montevideo. Instead, players and staff are set to return separately on commercial flights, with individuals making their own travel arrangements.
The defeat to Spain follows a broader group-stage record in which Uruguay does not win both matches, leaving them disappointed despite strong efforts during the tournament. After the exit, there is reported dissatisfaction among team-related figures, and coach Marcelo Bielsa’s future is also in question, with reporting indicating he steps down. AUF officials are expected to review the team’s performance and determine factors behind the early elimination, including how that should shape planning for Uruguay’s next international cycle.
