Netizens outraged after watching Senegal and Uzbekistan teams undergo 'criminal-like' checks upon arriving in the US

Global social media users are expressing shock and anger over videos showing players from Senegal and Uzbekistan undergoing stringent security checks upon their arrival in the United States for the 2026 World Cup. The footage, shared widely, has led to accusations that the athletes were treated "like criminals." One video, posted by ESPN Centroamerica, garnered millions of views, showing Senegalese players undergoing thorough baggage inspections directly on the airport tarmac in San Antonio. Another video captured Uzbekistani players being subjected to drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at their training facility in New York. These intense screenings have been widely condemned online. Many commenters have accused US authorities of "humiliating" treatment, questioning the necessity and fairness of such rigorous checks for international athletes participating in a major global event. Some users specifically questioned if the security measures were applied selectively, implying potential bias. The anger has also been directed at FIFA, with critics accusing the world football governing body of remaining silent while national teams face what many describe as degrading treatment. The incident has sparked a debate about how international visitors, particularly athletes representing their nations, are treated upon arrival in the US. The widespread sharing of these videos has amplified calls for respectful and appropriate security protocols for major sporting events.