Senegal Clarifies Airport Security Checks After Viral World Cup Travel Video

Senegal have issued an official statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding a viral video that appeared to show players and members of the delegation undergoing strict security screening during their travels in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, sparked speculation after it showed members of the Senegalese delegation being subjected to security checks on an airport tarmac.

In response, Senegalese officials explained that the screening did not take place upon the team's arrival in San Antonio, as some reports suggested. Instead, the procedure occurred before departure from Raleigh on June 7.

According to the statement, the delegation was transported directly from its hotel to the aircraft as part of a special travel arrangement designed to speed up boarding and reduce time spent inside the airport terminal.

Under this procedure, players and staff completed all required security and police checks directly on the tarmac before boarding the charter flight, rather than passing through the airport's standard passenger areas.

« 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. »