Concerns have emerged over the treatment of players and officials arriving in the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026, after several reports of strict and reportedly humiliating security checks at airports.
According to details, multiple incidents involving teams and officials have sparked criticism on social media, with fans questioning the behaviour of airport authorities.
Videos involving the Senegal and Uzbekistan national teams have gone viral, showing players undergoing intensive security screening. Critics say the footage reflects overly harsh treatment of visiting athletes.
The Uzbekistan team, which arrived for a friendly match against the Netherlands, was reportedly subjected to detailed checks using sniffer dogs and advanced security equipment at the airport.
Similarly, a video of the Senegal national team has drawn widespread attention online. In the footage, players dressed in team jerseys are seen standing near their luggage on an airport runway while security officials conduct checks.
In one part of the video, a player is seen standing with his arms outstretched while a security officer scans him with a handheld device. Reports suggest the checks were carried out before the team entered the airport terminal.
However, neither the Senegal Football Federation, FIFA, nor the US authorities have issued any official statement regarding the viral videos.
Social media users have strongly criticised the treatment of players, describing it as disrespectful and comparing it to treating athletes like criminals.
The controversy has also been fueled by earlier incidents involving the Iraqi delegation.
Iraqi national team striker Ayman Hussein was reportedly held at Chicago airport for nearly seven hours, during which his mobile phone was also inspected before he was allowed entry into the United States.
In another incident, Iraqi team photographer Talal Salah was detained for more than ten hours and was later denied entry into the US and sent back.
Also Read, FIFA WC buzz builds as top predictor reveals next potential winner
