Fact-checking claims that Senegal’s football team were treated like ‘criminals’ at US airport

France 24 France 24 — 5min

Kicking off this Thursday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen a fair share of criticism, before having begun.

A new viral video has triggered more backlash, showing Senegal's national team being searched on the tarmac of a US airport with metal detectors.

Internet users claimed the photo showed the players "treated like criminals" and "unapologetic racism." There's also a photo of the coach undergoing the same treatment.

But how real are these images?

Vedika Bahl fact-checks in Truth or Fake.
#senegal #fifaworldcup2026 #viral

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen
Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen
Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen
Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen
Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen