MIAMI, FLORIDA June 15, 2026 – The Uruguay national team underwent intensive security screening shortly after landing in the United States on Sunday, with sniffer dogs deployed to inspect players’ luggage roadside next to their team bus. The incident, captured in video circulating widely on social media, comes amid a broader travel ordeal that left the squad arriving less than 24 hours before their Group H opener against Saudi Arabia.
Players, dressed in formal attire, stood by as security personnel examined bags on the grass verge. A handler was seen guiding a dog around the luggage while team members, including some with arms crossed, observed the process. Similar strict protocols have been reported for other visiting teams, including Senegal (checked on the airport tarmac) and Uzbekistan (sniffer dogs and metal detectors at their arrival point).
The checks are part of enhanced U.S. entry and event security measures for the multi-nation 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Officials have described them as routine for high-profile international arrivals, though the public roadside setting drew criticism online, with some fans calling it disrespectful or excessive.
The security screening followed a significant flight delay. Uruguay’s delegation, based in Cancún, Mexico, for final preparations, was stranded due to an airline permitting error. The original charter flight lacked proper U.S. entry authorization, forcing a switch to another aircraft.
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) initially pointed to FIFA for the logistical issues, while FIFA attributed the delay to “an airline permitting error in Mexico” and stated it worked to minimize disruption. The team ultimately landed in Miami on Sunday evening.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa’s pre-match press conference was also affected by the chaos. Uruguay, ranked 16th in the world and considered favorites in their group, will now have limited recovery time ahead of Monday’s 6pm ET kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Social media responses to the footage have been mixed. Some viewed the inspections as “disrespectful” or questioned why such measures were applied publicly, while others noted they align with standard high-security protocols for major tournaments, especially involving nations under varying levels of immigration scrutiny.
No issues were reported with player visas or documentation— the problems centered on aircraft paperwork. Uruguay’s squad remains focused as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging campaign in a tournament already generating headlines for its logistical and security demands.
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