Members of the Senegal national football team and Uzbekistan national football team were subjected to strict security screening upon arrival in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to video footage circulating on social media.
The clips show both teams being processed immediately after landing, with players standing on the tarmac beside their luggage as security personnel conducted thorough checks before allowing them into the terminal.
In the footage involving the Senegal squad, players in national team attire are seen lined up with their arms outstretched while officers carry out handheld scans.
Additional scenes show security dogs sniffing around luggage and equipment as part of the inspection process.
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In another moment, a player is seen having the soles of his feet scanned using a handheld metal detector during the screening procedure.
A separate clip showing the Uzbekistan team captures similar procedures, with players also undergoing close inspection after arrival.
The footage indicates both squads were held on the tarmac as part of the arrival protocol before being cleared to proceed.
One player identified in the circulating video is Pathé Ciss, who appears among those subjected to the detailed checks.
The incident has sparked outrage among fans and some officials.
However, there has been no official statement from FIFA, US authorities, or the respective football federations regarding the footage or the security procedures shown.
Watch the videos below:
Why are athletes being treated this way?
— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) June 8, 2026
That’s Cannavaro ffs, these are professional footballers wtf man.
They’re being searched like thieves. They also select the countries they do this too. Are there videos os them doing this to the elite teams? pic.twitter.com/LU1O77LgES
Painful to watch. 🇸🇳 😭#WorldCup teams are usually greeted with honour and celebration when they arrive for major tournaments.
— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) June 9, 2026
But Senegal’s players landed in the US and were subjected to intrusive searches like criminals, not stars representing a proud African nation.… pic.twitter.com/NQkmYWMZ9a
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