Kicking off this Thursday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has faced its share of criticism before it has even begun. A viral video has sparked fresh backlash, appearing to show members of Senegal's national team being searched with metal detectors on the tarmac of a US airport. Online, some users have claimed the players were being "treated like criminals" and pointed to the footage as evidence of "unapologetic racism". A widely shared photo also appears to show the team's coach undergoing the same screening. But what do these images actually show?
Internet users have shared a viral video appearing to show the Senegalese national football team at a US airport being searched and scanned with metal detectors on the tarmac, with players asked to remove their shoes and have their bags inspected. Some users described the treatment as excessive for a national team preparing to take part in what is widely considered the world’s biggest sporting event.
