SHAH ALAM – Uruguay's arrival in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become one of the tournament's latest talking points after a video showing security personnel using sniffer dogs to inspect the team's luggage went viral on social media.
The clip, widely circulated on Thread and Instagram, captured members of the Uruguayan squad waiting beside their team bus while officials carried out security screenings on suitcases lined up along the roadside.
One of the posts, shared by Threads user @cupidfc, was captioned: "Uruguay players searched by drug and explosive detector dogs before playing Saudi Arabia."
While the security procedures themselves drew attention, many online users were more focused on the reaction of Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
In the 12-second video, Ugarte could be seen standing with his arms crossed and an expression that many interpreted as frustration or exhaustion while the inspections were carried out.
His apparent displeasure quickly became the centre of discussion, with football fans turning screenshots of his facial expression into memes and jokes.
The incident also sparked debate among supporters over whether the security measures were excessive.
Some social media users criticised the visible roadside inspections, arguing that national team players should not have to undergo such checks in public.
One Thread user, @gerrysixbillion, wrote: "Disgusting. I have watched so many World Cups, but this is the first with constant hostility, racism and xenophobia by the host nation to the visiting fans, players and officials."
Another user, @lauraburks23, simply described the situation as "Disgraceful", while @japansebloesem argued that FIFA should also bear responsibility for the experience.
On Instagram, user @andersonsllucena labelled it "The worst World Cup ever (the USA part)", while @aydinanderkan commented that the incident only reinforced negative perceptions of the host nation.
However, others defended the security procedures, pointing out that baggage screening and sniffer dog inspections are standard practice at major international events and for arrivals into the United States.
Thread user @johnreed1044 commented: "The stadium will have 50,000-plus in attendance. Basic security protocols are necessary and expected."
Similarly, Instagram user @cecilleflowerfarm said: "That's just standard security to anyone coming."
The viral footage emerged only days after Uruguay experienced travel disruptions before entering the United States.
Earlier reports said the team endured an unexpected travel ordeal ahead of its opening Group H match against Saudi Arabia after its charter flight from Cancun, Mexico, was delayed due to administrative issues involving missing airline paperwork.
The squad, which had been training in Playa del Carmen, was forced to wait near Cancun while FIFA arranged an alternative flight to Miami, leaving the players with less than 24 hours before kickoff.
The delay also caused head coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain Jose Maria Gimenez to miss their originally scheduled pre-match press conference, although both later attended after it was rescheduled.
FIFA later clarified that the disruption stemmed from an airline permitting error in Mexico and said it had worked closely with airport authorities and operational partners to expedite the team's travel arrangements, while the airline apologised for the inconvenience.
The latest security footage has added to the scrutiny surrounding Uruguay's preparations for the tournament, particularly after Bielsa, who has previously been outspoken on football governance issues, was also seen staging a silent protest during FIFA's official team photo session earlier in the competition.