With the 2026 World Cup nearly upon us, perhaps the biggest story so far has been around the treatment of players, staff and fans coming into North America. Mexico, Canada and the United States are co-hosts, but the latter nation has not been particularly welcoming.

A number of stories have broken in the last week, detailing issues for those arriving in the US. Most notably, top African referee Omar Artan was interrogated for 11 hours, held in a cell, and then sent home due to vetting concerns. He will no longer be able to officiate at the tournament.

Elsewhere, Iraq’s star striker, Aymen Hussein, was held and questioned for nearly seven ​hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport before being allowed into the US. Adding to that, fans have struggled to get visas, with one Scotland supporter denied just hours before he was set to fly out for the 2026 World Cup.

It seems as though there is no end to these issues, with football legend and Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro the latest to suffer at the hands of the overzealous US security.

Fabio Cannavaro Questions Treatment of Uzbekistan Stars

Cannavaro won the 2006 World Cup as Italy captain, making him one of the greatest centre-backs of the modern era. He won the Ballon d’Or on the back of that success, becoming just the second defender to win the prize, after German icon Franz Beckenbauer (in 1972 and 1976).

The Italian, now 52, took charge of Uzbekistan in 2025 and will lead the country at their debut World Cup appearance. However, upon arriving in New York for their pre-tournament friendly match against the Netherlands on 8 June, his squad were met with a rather distrustful security team.

Footage quickly went viral as the Uzbekistan stars and their football legend manager were treated like criminals, as they underwent drug-sniffing dog and metal detector checks. Speaking to CGTN Sports Scene, Cannavaro has now called out the incident, noting:

Senegal Squad Also Treated With Suspicion Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Cannavaro appeared to think that only his team were treated poorly in New York but more footage has since emerged of the Senegal being subjected to a thorough search on airport tarmac upon their arrival in the US.

The African team are based at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and it seems as though security were just as unsure about the Lions of Teranga, with midfielder Pathe Ciss, who plays his club football in Spain with Rayo Vallecano, seen having the soles of his feet scanned by a handheld metal detector.

The wary treatment of these athletes has certainly left a bad taste in the mouth for many football fans, with some questioning the wisdom of handing the United States hosting rights when their president, Donald Trump, seems so unhappy to have the world arrive at his doorstep.

Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back during the summer transfer window after it was confirmed that Ibrahima Konate would be leaving the club.

Konate departed Anfield and looks set to join La Liga side Real Madrid in the summer, with his contract at Liverpool expiring.

The French defender has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s defence in recent years, partnering Virgil van Dijk under both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

Konate has struggled for consistency at times, and Liverpool may have been looking to bring in a replacement this summer regardless. Konate’s departure has certainly pushed it higher up their priority list.

The Reds do have Jeremy Jacquet arriving this summer, after he was signed in January. It remains to be seen whether he will come in and be a guaranteed starter.

Liverpool Eyeing Centre-Back Signing

According to a report from Sports Boom, Liverpool have identified Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as their ideal replacement for Konate heading into the summer transfer window.

The Merseyside club are believed to feel that Bastoni is open to a fresh challenge after spending his whole career in Italy so far.

Bastoni is intrigued by the prospect of testing himself in England, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to make a move to secure his signature.

It’s claimed that Bastoni is likely to cost in excess of £70 million, with Inter hoping to keep hold of him this summer.

Liverpool are now expected to test Inter Milan’s resolve as they prepare to make a move to sign the Italian defender.

Bastoni The Ideal Replacement for Liverpool

Bastoni could be the ideal replacement for Konate at Liverpool for multiple reasons.

The Italian defender, described as elite, has been labelled the best defender in the world previously, and there’s no doubt he’s up there with the best.

Bastoni is also left-footed, meaning he can provide balance in the back four alongside Van Dijk.

Having a left-footed defender as part of a defensive pairing is very beneficial, something Liverpool haven’t had the luxury of in recent years.

Bastoni is incredibly comfortable on the ball whilst also being a powerful, tough-tackling defender. There’s an argument to suggest that not only would he be a competent replacement for Konate, he would also be an upgrade.