AGP Executive Report

Pope Visit: Pope Leo XIV confirmed his first Latin America trip as pontiff, running Nov. 6-17 with stops in Uruguay (Nov. 6-8: Montevideo, Paysandú, Florida), then Argentina (Nov. 8-11: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Luján) and Peru (Nov. 11-17: Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, Pucallpa). Mercosur Tensions: Uruguay’s foreign minister said the Argentina-Brazil diplomatic crisis is “bad news” for Mercosur and urged dialogue, noting Uruguay currently chairs Mercosur. World Cup Politics: FIFA leadership backed Gianni Infantino after the fallout from his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan, while reports claim he offered Morocco the 2030 final in exchange for support. Local Economy/Tech: Uruguay-based MercadoLibre reported record revenue but a third straight profit decline, with shares falling after-hours. Sports & Uruguay Links: Uruguay’s Pope and Mercosur headlines come as Uruguayan football continues to draw attention, including transfer chatter around players tied to the national spotlight. Business/Finance: Millicom (Tigo) posted strong Q2 results, citing leverage improvements including acquisitions in Uruguay.

Papal Visit Confirmed: Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6–17, with stops in Montevideo, Paysandú and Florida (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Luján (Argentina), and Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and Pucallpa (Peru), a homecoming tied to his long ministry in Peru. Mercosur Tensions: Uruguay’s foreign minister Mario Lubetkin called the Argentina–Brazil diplomatic crisis “bad news” for Mercosur, saying it complicates the bloc’s work while Uruguay chairs Mercosur and leads trade talks. World Cup Politics: Spain’s junior coalition partner Sumar urged Spain to reconsider co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Morocco and Portugal after the Ceuta migration crisis, pushing a parliamentary motion. Uruguay in the Spotlight: A separate report on the 2030 centenary tournament notes Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each host a commemorative opening match, while the final venue remains undecided. Regional Security Funding: The IDB expanded financing for security in Latin America and the Caribbean to $4 billion, aiming to strengthen citizen security and justice.

Vatican Visit to Uruguay: Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6–17, with Montevideo among the stops in Uruguay, according to the Vatican. Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Uruguay’s foreign minister Félix Plasencia took part in a CELAC dialogue with regional candidates for UN Secretary-General, arguing the process is a chance to project Latin America’s leadership through consensus and respect for international law. AI & Jobs: A new World Bank report says AI job displacement risk is over three times higher in high-income countries than in low- and middle-income economies, with 14.2% of jobs in high-income nations highly exposed. Football Friendlies: South Korea will host Ecuador and Uruguay in September, with Uruguay set to play four days after Ecuador during the FIFA international window. Uruguay Football News: Nicolás Lodeiro announced his retirement at 37, ending a long career that included a return to Nacional in 2025. Sports—World Cup Talk: Jamie Carragher says he rejected FIFA’s request to publicly back a proposal to hold the World Cup every two years.

CELAC at the UN: Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia took part in CELAC’s interactive dialogue with regional candidates for UN General Secretariat, arguing the process is a chance to project Latin America’s leadership through international law and consensus. Construction deal in Uruguay: Uruguay’s construction union Sunca and employer chambers signed a preliminary agreement to gradually cut the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, with pay protected and a schedule reaching 40 hours by 2030, pending ratification and government approval. Montevideo tram plans: A Stadler-led consortium submitted proposals for a five-route light-rail tram network linking Montevideo and Canelones via a public-private partnership, with an initial phase estimated at US$787m. Live Nation/Ticketmaster in Uruguay: Live Nation’s Ticketmaster announced a new Uruguay setup aimed at making ticketing “simpler, safer, and more transparent,” with accounts already open at Ticketmaster.uy. Martín García dredging contract: Uruguay’s River Plate waterway authority CARP signed a five-year contract with Jan De Nul for dredging, maintenance and widening works on the Martín García Channel. Regional ripple effects: Argentina’s grain ports are hit by a maritime pilots strike tied to a Milei decree, affecting global food shipments.

UE Uruguay at UN: Uruguay’s foreign minister Félix Plasencia said he took part in a CELAC Interactive Dialogue at the UN, convened by Uruguay’s rotating presidency, to spotlight the region’s role in multilateral forums, with Venezuela’s participation directed by Delcy Rodríguez. FIFA/UEFA legal fight: UEFA confirmed it has sent FIFA a preservation letter after Gianni Infantino’s shelved $4.2bn plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits, warning FIFA not to destroy related materials while UEFA weighs legal action. Digital nomads (Uruguay included): Japan published the official list of 51 countries eligible for its six-month Digital Nomad Visa, and Uruguay is on it; applicants must meet an income threshold of at least 10 million yen. Sports—local relevance: Futsal in Paraguay wrapped up the South American Championship (South Zone) with Uruguay’s 12 de Junio finishing third after beating San Miguel de Rocha; meanwhile, Colo-Colo in Chile signed World Cup standout goalkeeper Vozinha on a six-month deal.

World Cup Fallout: UEFA has formally threatened FIFA with legal action over Gianni Infantino’s failed plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors, warning FIFA not to destroy or alter any potential evidence and naming 18 FIFA executives who should preserve records. US Soccer: Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to stay as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup, with U.S. Soccer saying the focus will be on building the senior program and supporting the wider national pathway. Basketball (Uruguay in focus): FIBA confirmed Uruguay’s participation in South American qualifiers for both the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 (in Venezuela) and the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2027 (in Chile), with Uruguay set to compete in group formats for direct berths. Montevideo/Uruguay angle: A new report highlights Uruguay’s role in regional deportation planning, while another piece notes Uruguay’s place on a Forbes retirement list of destinations for Americans.

FGM Rights Fight: A new legal push in The Gambia could overturn its FGM ban, showing how fragile rights gains can be when funding and political will fade. UEFA vs FIFA: UEFA has threatened FIFA with legal action over Gianni Infantino’s collapsed plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits, and warned FIFA not to destroy related records. Regional Diplomacy: Paraguay rejected Lula’s remarks about the War of the Triple Alliance and demanded return of war trophies and documents. MERCOSUR Trade: The MERCOSUR–Singapore free trade deal took effect for Singapore and Brazil, cutting tariffs on most products over time and expanding cooperation. Uruguay in the spotlight (sports): Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi returned to MLS as Luis Suárez scored and Miami drew 2-2 with Columbus; Suárez’s form remains a key talking point. Montevideo Crime: A 28-year-old Cuban was killed in a stabbing in Paso de la Arena; a Venezuelan suspect fled and is being sought.

UN Politics: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet placed fourth in the UN Security Council’s first informal straw poll to succeed António Guterres, with the vote count kept secret and her candidacy lacking support from her own government. Montevideo Crime: A 28-year-old Cuban was killed after a stabbing in a boarding house in Paso de la Arena; a Venezuelan suspect fled and is being sought. Uruguay Human Trafficking Watch: Uruguay’s government warned of a growing pattern of sexual exploitation involving Cuban women using Uruguay as a transit route to the U.S., citing a new national report on trafficking. Regional Politics: Brazil’s Lula, 80, says he is “in great shape” as he launches his re-election bid, promising to defend rare minerals and boost the defense industry. Sports (Uruguayan spotlight): Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi returned to MLS action but the team drew 2-2 with Columbus; Uruguayan Luis Suárez scored again, including a standout chipped goal. FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino abandoned a private-investor plan after backlash, as European federations weigh further action over the future of the World Cup.

Uruguay & Migration Watch: Uruguay’s government flagged a growing trafficking pattern involving Cuban women using Uruguay as a transit route to the U.S., citing a new national report that points to sexual exploitation networks and rising recruitment via social media and fake job offers. Housing & Social Policy: Uruguay’s cooperative housing model is being highlighted as a proven answer to affordability pressures, with the country’s law-backed approach dating back to 1968 and drawing attention as a “tool kit” for other nations. Sports — Uruguay’s Impact Abroad: In MLS, Inter Miami’s return from World Cup duty ended in a 2-2 draw with Columbus, with Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez scoring early and again driving Miami’s attack as Lionel Messi came on as a second-half substitute. Global Football Governance: FIFA has backed away from a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup profits after backlash and boycott threats, with UEFA and others pushing for a tougher stance.

FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino has abandoned his plan to bring private investors into World Cup profits after a wave of backlash, including threats of boycotts from European football leaders. World Cup Format Watch: FIFA is still studying whether to expand the 2030 men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, with an independent review set to assess sporting and business impacts. Uruguay Trafficking Warning: Uruguay’s government says Cuban women increasingly use Uruguay as a transit stop to the U.S., with many cases tied to international sexual exploitation networks and new recruitment via social media and messaging apps. Housing in Uruguay: A new spotlight on Uruguay’s cooperative housing model highlights how collective ownership laws dating back to 1968 are being treated as a practical answer to affordability pressures. Regional Trade: Singapore’s MERCOSUR free-trade deal has entered into force for Brazil and Singapore, with Uruguay included as part of the bloc’s wider integration. Montevideo Health & Safety: The U.S. issued urgent travel alerts for multiple countries, urging Americans to check rapidly changing security and health risks before heading out.

Housing & Social Policy: Uruguay’s cooperative housing model is getting fresh global attention as a practical answer to the housing shortage, with the UN-Habitat framing it as a “tool kit” approach that’s been law since 1968. FIFA Fallout: FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup after massive backlash and boycott threats, but the controversy is still reshaping the sport’s power balance and Infantino’s standing. World Cup Format Debate: FIFA is also studying whether to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for 2030, with Reuters reporting an independent agency review and concerns ranging from calendar strain to competition dilution. Trade & Regional Links: Singapore’s MERCOSUR free trade deal has entered into force for Brazil and Singapore, cutting tariffs on most products and deepening ties with Uruguay included in the bloc. Energy & Minerals: South Korea and Argentina agreed to boost cooperation on critical minerals (especially lithium) and to work toward resuming Korea–Mercosur trade talks. Uruguay in Sports: Uruguay’s Ex-striker Forlán has been appointed interim Uruguay coach, adding a local football storyline to the week’s wider regional sports coverage.

World Cup governance shake-up: FIFA is studying expanding the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, commissioning an independent feasibility review after CONMEBOL’s push—while the plan lands amid a wider backlash over Infantino’s proposal to bring private investors into FIFA-run tournaments. UEFA boycott pressure: UEFA has already threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the investment scheme moves forward, raising the stakes for 2030 and even the possibility of co-hosts being affected. South America spotlight: Uruguay is named among the federations not threatening a boycott, as the dispute centers on who would participate if major confederations follow through. Regional politics and trade: South Korea and Argentina agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and to work toward resuming a Korea-Mercosur free trade deal—an effort that includes Uruguay as part of the bloc. Local sports note: Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 matchups are set, including Tigre vs Montevideo City Torque, with the decisive second leg in Montevideo on Aug. 19. Wellness in Montevideo: Pinealage launched globally on iOS and Android, aiming to connect neighbors for in-person meditation groups with QR-verified attendance and no screen-based session.

IMF on Uruguay’s economy: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Uruguay’s stability and institutions, but warned that “stability alone” won’t deliver growth. She pointed to inflation down to 4.5%, public debt around 60% of GDP, and an electricity mix that is 98% renewable—then urged more courage on logistics, public-service efficiency, simpler rules for SMEs, and preparing society for AI. FIFA/UEFA World Cup standoff: UEFA confirmed it will boycott FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell minority stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors goes ahead. The move could keep major European teams out of future tournaments, with FIFA still consulting members ahead of a Sept. 19 vote. Sports in Montevideo: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers schedule changes put Uruguay vs. Puerto Rico in Montevideo for Window 4, with the other fixture shifting to San Juan. Safety update for travelers: The U.S. State Department kept Uruguay at Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) but added a specific note that violent crime can occur across the country, including in Montevideo. Transport milestone: Uruguay-Argentina electric ferry project Hull 096 (“China Zorrilla”) was loaded in Hobart for its South America route after a complex lift operation.

U.S. Travel Advisory Update: The U.S. State Department kept Uruguay at Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) but added a fresh warning on crime risks for U.S. citizens, flagging violent incidents across the country with particular concern in Montevideo. World Bank Climate Shift: A new analysis says the World Bank’s decision to retire its 45% climate-loan target raises questions about the institution’s core mission and its ability to fund cross-border climate action. Peru’s New President: Keiko Fujimori took office in Peru, with coverage focusing on the political turbulence around her win and the country’s protest and security backdrop. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO added 25 World Heritage sites, with Brazil’s Amazonia Theaters becoming the region’s only new addition. FIFA vs. UEFA Clash: UEFA announced a boycott of FIFA men’s and women’s competitions if FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a World Cup-linked investment vehicle goes ahead—sparking uncertainty for the 2030 cycle. Uruguay Migration Talks: Uruguay is reportedly in quiet discussions with the U.S. about possibly receiving deported Cubans, but no agreement is signed yet.

IMF in Montevideo: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva arrived for talks with President Yamandú Orsi and Uruguay’s economic team, praising the country’s macro stability and institutions, with meetings also planned with Economy/Finance Minister Gabriel Oddone, central bank head Guillermo Tolosa, and private sector representatives. Migration deal talks: The US has been negotiating with Uruguay for months on receiving deported migrants, with Uruguay’s foreign ministry confirming discussions but saying nothing is settled yet. Education pressure from demographics: ECLAC research warns Latin America will have 38.3 million fewer school-age people by 2050, forcing education systems to adapt—without assuming lower enrollment means less investment. Public health focus: A PAHO/WHO-backed push in the region aims to expand smoke-free policies, with youth-led efforts highlighted to reduce tobacco exposure. Local economy & planning: Rockwell Land expanded control of Alabang Town Center in the Philippines and hired Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott for a long-term modernization plan—starting with parking, traffic flow, and tenant mix. Inequality and pandemics: A study in the New England Journal of Medicine says economic inequality best predicts pandemic outcomes, with Uruguay cited among countries that fared better than expected.

US-Uruguay Migration Talks: The New York Times reports the U.S. has been negotiating with Uruguay for months over receiving deported migrants, with Montevideo confirming talks but saying nothing is final and that discussions aren’t limited to Cuban nationals. Public Health: Uruguay’s region-wide push for smoke-free environments is echoed by a PAHO/WHO-backed Health Ministry effort in the Americas, focused on protecting people from tobacco smoke and emissions. Peru Security Pivot (Regional Impact): Peru’s new president Keiko Fujimori took office pledging a military-led crackdown on crime, including states of emergency in high-violence areas—an approach drawing attention across the Southern Cone, including Uruguay’s leadership at the inauguration. World Cup & Uruguay Spotlight: FIFA’s 2030 plan keeps Uruguay in the spotlight with matches in Montevideo, while FIFA’s broader World Cup governance and investor-stake proposals spark backlash from European football bodies. Sports (Uruguay Connection): Uruguay’s CBR Montevideo won a seventh women’s volleyball national title in eight finals, underlining local club dominance.