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Footage of the Senegalese national team arriving in San Antonio recently went viral -Credit:Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
The Senegal national soccer team has issued a response after footage of its FIFA World Cup squad going through airport security screenings spread across social media.
The squad was put through thorough screening protocols upon landing in San Antonio, Texas, and New York while preparing for the tournament, according to reports.
Players were observed undergoing extensive luggage examinations, while Uzbekistan's roster encountered further inspections, including sniffer dogs and metal detectors, after passing initial airport screening. Video clips making the rounds online also depicted security staff examining footwear and performing spot checks on the tarmac, triggering discussion about how traveling squads were being handled before the competition.
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Sadio Mane will be crucial to Senegal's success at the World Cup -Credit:Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
The clips generated significant backlash online, with one supporter alleging Senegal was being "treated like criminals" and calling the footage a "disgrace," as per The Mirror US.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has addressed the online controversy, with a statement from the federation indicating the protocols were part of a pre-coordinated arrangement intended to expedite travel logistics, emphasizing that all inspections were carried out "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.
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"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."
Heightened security protocols and stricter visa requirements have already emerged as a significant topic of discussion at this year's World Cup in the United States. One Somali referee chosen for the tournament was reportedly turned away at Miami International Airport, with the Trump administration stating Omar Artan was rejected due to alleged terrorism-related concerns.
Over a quarter of competing nations are also understood to encounter travel limitations or increased visa denial rates. The consequences have additionally disrupted team operations, with members of Iran's squad having had to touch down in Mexico because of visa complications and broader geopolitical strains.
While all of Iran's group-stage games are set to occur in the United States, players and staff will reportedly need to enter and exit the country on game days.
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