US security checks on Uzbekistan and Senegal teams draw discrimination allegations

According to videos circulating on social media, the Uzbek delegation was heavily screened upon arriving in New York for a friendly match against the Netherlands. The footage shows coaching staff members, led by Fabio Cannavaro, being asked to hand over their smartphones and empty their pockets after stepping off the team bus. The team's bags were also gathered on the ground and inspected by a sniffer dog before the squad was finally allowed to enter the stadium. Notably, the Netherlands players did not undergo similar screening measures.

The situation involving the African team was even more intense. Players and staff from Senegal were screened immediately upon stepping off their aircraft at an airport in San Antonio, Texas. Videos show the players and other delegation members undergoing meticulous inspections right in the arrival area. Security personnel checked the guests using handheld metal detectors, and the team members were forced to remove their shoes and open all their bags for inspection.

Many fans and social media users have labeled these measures as insulting and discriminatory. Commentators pointed out that such intrusive screenings were never observed at previous World Cups held in Europe or other continents, sparking accusations of biased treatment toward African and Asian representatives.

A pattern of pre-tournament controversies

This is not the first scandal to hit the tournament's preparations. It was recently revealed that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States. Despite being recognized as Africa’s best referee in 2025 and holding a diplomatic passport, he was turned away without any explanation and sent back to Istanbul. Artan was set to become the first representative from Somalia to officiate matches at a World Cup.

FIFA stated that it was unable to intervene in the matter. A federation spokesperson told Sky Sports that FIFA does not participate in the immigration processes or visa decisions of host countries, adding that authorities confirmed Mr. Artan's status would remain unchanged. Despite the setback, the referee maintained a positive outlook, thanking the football community for their support via Reuters and wishing his colleagues success at the tournament.

Other high-profile incidents have also disrupted teams. Iraq national team forward Aymen Hussein faced a grueling seven-hour interrogation by border officials at a Chicago airport before being allowed entry into the country. Meanwhile, the Iraqi team photographer, Talal Salah, was less fortunate and was denied entry entirely and sent back.

The World Cup 2026 is scheduled to kick off on June 11, with the opening match featuring Mexico and South Africa.