Senegal has officially clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video that purportedly showed players and delegation members undergoing strict security screening during their travels in the United States as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, depicted members of the Senegalese delegation being subjected to security checks on an airport tarmac, leading to various speculations. In response, officials emphasized that the screening occurred prior to the team’s departure from Raleigh on June 7, rather than upon their arrival in San Antonio, as some reports suggested.
According to the official statement, the Senegalese delegation was transported directly from their hotel to the aircraft as part of a special travel arrangement aimed at expediting boarding and minimizing time spent within the airport terminal. This procedure allowed players and staff to complete all security and police checks directly on the tarmac before boarding their charter flight.
« Following the circulation on social media of a video showing players and staff members of the Senegal national team undergoing a security check on the tarmac of an airport, we wish to provide the following clarifications to avoid any erroneous interpretation.
Contrary to certain information being circulated, this check 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 carrying the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to head directly to the airport tarmac. This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks right at the foot of the plane, without having to pass through the usual terminal areas and boarding gates.
This arrangement was primarily intended to optimize the delegation’s travel time and facilitate its boarding on the private flight to San Antonio.
We wish to emphasize that this procedure was carried out in full compliance with current airport safety regulations and that no particular incident was reported.
The private flight from Raleigh to San Antonio proceeded under excellent conditions, and the entire delegation arrived at its destination as normal. »