World Cup Delegations Report Lengthy US Airport Screening, Entry Denials

Several national team delegations traveling to the 2026 World Cup in the United States have faced extended customs checks and prolonged interrogations at American airports. Social media posts showed video of the Senegal national team and its luggage being thoroughly searched by US customs officials. An official with the Iraqi Olympic Committee said striker Aymen Hussein was detained for approximately seven hours at Chicago O'Hare Airport last week, had his phone searched, and was ultimately allowed into the country. The same official said the team's cameraman, Talal Salah, was held for more than 10 hours before being denied entry to the United States. The Swiss Football Federation said forward Breel Embolo was not brought to the United States due to the processing of his electronic travel authorization. In Morocco, Zakaria El Ouahdi's visa application was initially rejected before he was later permitted to join the squad. Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Basendideh, said Iranian footballers were admitted to the country on match day. Mexican media reported that 15 officials from the Iranian Football Federation were unable to obtain visas.