Uruguay's World Cup arrival marred by extensive security checks

Uruguay's national football team underwent extensive security screening upon landing in Miami for their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Players were subjected to sniffer dogs, metal detectors, and searches of personal belongings, measures described by observers as disproportionate and without precedent for a visiting national team.

The disruption began before the squad even reached the United States. The team's aircraft was denied entry into US airspace and forced to remain in Mexico overnight, adding further strain ahead of a competitive tournament fixture. No official explanation was provided by US authorities.