World Cup team issues statement after players 'treated like criminals' in airport footage

 The Senegal national soccer team has responded after footage of its World Cup squad undergoing airport security checks went viral on social media.

The team was subjected to detailed screening procedures on arrival in San Antonio, Texas, and New York as it prepared for the tournament, according to reports.

Players were seen undergoing extensive bag inspections, while Uzbekistan’s squad faced additional checks including sniffer dogs and metal detectors after clearing initial airport screening. Video footage circulating online also showed security personnel inspecting footwear and conducting on-the-spot checks on the tarmac, prompting debate over the treatment of travelling teams ahead of the competition

The videos sparked widespread criticism online, with one fan claiming Senegal was being “treated like criminals” and describing the footage as a “disgrace.”

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has responded to the online backlash following viral footage of its World Cup squad undergoing security checks at airports. In a statement, the federation said the procedures were part of a pre-arranged system designed to speed up travel logistics, stressing that all checks were conducted “under excellent conditions.”

"Following the circulation on social media of a video showing players and members of the national team staff undergoing a security check on the tarmac of an airport, we wish to provide the following clarifications to avoid any erroneous interpretation," the statement read.

"Contrary to certain information that has been shared, this control did not take place upon the team's arrival in San Antonio, but rather at the time of boarding at Raleigh airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, before the flight's departure.

"As part of the logistical organization of the trip, the bus transporting the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly to the airport tarmac. This procedure allowed the players and staff to undergo all the security and police checks directly at the foot of the plane, without having to go through the usual airport terminal zones and boarding lounges.

"This arrangement was primarily intended to optimize the delegation's travel time and facilitate their boarding onto the private flight to San Antonio.

"We wish to emphasize that this procedure was carried out in compliance with the applicable airport security regulations and that no particular incident was reported. The private flight from Raleigh to San Antonio took place under excellent conditions, and the entire delegation arrived at its destination normally."

Increased security measures and tighter visa restrictions have already become a major talking point at this year’s World Cup in the United States. One Somali referee selected for the tournament was reportedly denied entry at Miami International Airport, with the Trump administration saying Omar Artan was refused on alleged terrorism-related concerns.

More than a quarter of participating nations are also said to face travel restrictions or elevated visa rejection rates. The impact has also affected team logistics, with members of Iran’s squad forced to land in Mexico due to visa complications and wider geopolitical tensions.

Although all of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, players and staff will reportedly have to travel in and out of the country on matchdays.