Video: Cannavaro and Uzbekistan stopped and searched ahead of 2026 World Cup

Supporters have been critical of the United States and their hosting of the 2026 World Cup after Fabio Cannavaro and his Uzbekistan national team colleagues were stopped and searched upon their arrival for a pre-tournament friendly on Monday evening.

In an extraordinary video that was televised by ESPN in Central America, Cannavaro, the Uzbekistan coaching staff and players were stopped and searched by security officials immediately after stepping off their team coach upon arrival for a warm-up match against the Netherlands ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Footage online shows that the Senegal national team were given similar treatment on the airport tarmac immediately after landing in the United States for the upcoming World Cup.

EDMONTON, CANADA – JUNE 1: Head coach Fabio Cannavaro of Uzbekistan looks on as Ralph Priso of Canada and Farrukh Sayfiev of Uzbekistan run after a loose ball during their international friendly match at Commonwealth Stadium on June 1, 2026 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

There have also been concerns surrounding the denial of entry for fans, members of coaching staff and national team delegates, and most recently, it has been confirmed that Somalian referee Omar Artan will not be allowed into the country and will be unable to participate at the upcoming World Cup.

😳🐕REGISTRO SUPER ESTRICTO HASTA CON PERROSAsí fue el protocolo de seguridad con la Selección de Uzbekistán previo al amistoso contra Países Bajos en Estados Unidos.🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/D1SzMEYZcP

😳🐕REGISTRO SUPER ESTRICTO HASTA CON PERROSAsí fue el protocolo de seguridad con la Selección de Uzbekistán previo al amistoso contra Países Bajos en Estados Unidos.🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/D1SzMEYZcP