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Uruguay Arrives Miami After Flight Delay, Ready for Saudi Opener

6/15/2026

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Summary

Uruguay Flight Delay

Uruguay arrived in Miami Sunday night after a delayed charter flight from Cancun.
FIFA said a permitting error in Mexico caused the delay and set a 4:15 p.m. departure.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa said the flight did not affect preparation, while Captain José María Giménez called the delay a difficulty but said hotel rest helped.
Uruguay’s Group H opener against Saudi Arabia is Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m. ET, leaving less than 24 hours to settle.

Summary

Donis Enforces Discipline

Saudi Arabia coach Georges Donis, appointed in April, stresses tactical discipline and uses visual training glasses for goalkeepers.
Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is injured, prompting veteran Mohammed Al-Owais to start for Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay will miss captain José María Giménez, defender Ronald Araújo and midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta because of injuries, cutting its defensive and creative depth.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will officiate the match per FIFA.

History

Historical Context

Saudi Arabia’s first World Cup appearance came on June 22 1994 in the United States, when a chartered jet flew the team 12,000 miles and a 1-0 win over Belgium lifted TV ratings 30 %. The debut marked the nation’s entry as a FIFA member since 1956 and foreshadowed its 2024-confirmed role as 2034 World Cup host, a key pillar of Vision 2030’s $2 billion sports investment.

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Uruguay Flight Delay

Uruguay arrived in Miami Sunday night after a delayed charter flight from Cancun.
FIFA said a permitting error in Mexico caused the delay and set a 4:15 p.m. departure.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa said the flight did not affect preparation, while Captain José María Giménez called the delay a difficulty but said hotel rest helped.
Uruguay’s Group H opener against Saudi Arabia is Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m. ET, leaving less than 24 hours to settle.

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