Overview
- Video shows the Uzbekistan delegation stepping off a team bus and undergoing searches with metal-detecting wands while bags and equipment were piled outside the vehicle and a sniffer dog was present.
- The stop drew attention because coach Fabio Cannavaro was included in the screening; he told reporters the check appeared to be only for his team and later posted that the searches were routine and standard procedure.
- Reports and circulating footage said the Uzbekistan case was not isolated, with similar tarmac searches shown for Senegal and Somali referee Omar Artan reported to have been denied entry to the United States.
- The friendly against the Netherlands went ahead and ended 2-1 to the Netherlands, and Uzbekistan remains in camp preparing for its first World Cup appearance in Group K with Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia.
- The footage has intensified scrutiny of U.S. entry and security logistics for the tournament, no formal comment from FIFA was reported in the coverage, and officials may face requests to clarify how visiting delegations are processed.