World Cup in US: Uzbekistan, Senegal teams undergo sniffer dog searches

The United States, one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, is facing growing criticism after its authorities subjected the Uzbekistan and Senegal national soccer teams to humiliating searches using narcotics dogs and metal detectors upon their arrival for preparatory matches.

According to footage on social media, the Uzbekistan national team, arriving in New York for a friendly match, was treated like criminals the moment they stepped off their bus. Athletes were made to walk through metal detectors set up by American authorities and were thoroughly searched by narcotics dogs.

The Senegal national team also faced similar humiliating searches.

Senegalese footballers underwent security screening on the airport tarmac upon their arrival in the United States. Footage of players being searched even inside their shoes has drawn significant backlash.

The searches conducted were not limited to metal detectors and general scent-detecting dogs. It has become clear that trained narcotics dogs were used directly, revealing that athletes were subjected not only to security checks but also to suspicion of drug trafficking.

This controversial treatment of both teams raises serious concerns about the kind of security environment the United States will offer international teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In another scandalous event just days before the 2026 World Cup, a highly decorated Somali referee, widely described as Africa’s finest, has been denied entry to the United States.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was turned away at Miami International Airport and put on a return flight to Istanbul. Authorities offered no official explanation for the decision.

Members of Iran’s support staff were also denied US visas, and players were asked to enter US soil only on match days without being permitted to stay overnight.

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