Senegal have spoken out after footage of their World Cup squad undergoing security ​checks on an airport tarmac went viral on social media.

Senegal, who were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions earlier this year before having their title stripped, are finalising their preparations for this summer’s tournament.

They played their final warm-up match before this summer’s tournament on Tuesday, as they played out a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the match, footage circulated online showing Senegal players being screened by airport security before travelling from Raleigh, North Carolina to San ​Antonio, Texas.

The videos led to widespread criticism, with one fan saying Senegal were being ‘treated like criminals’ and labelling the footage a ‘disgrace’.

John Sibley via Reuters

Senegal’s football federation (FSF) have now released a statement in response to the outrage. They have explained that the checks were ​part of an arrangement to expedite travel and took place ‘under excellent conditions.’

Their statement read: “Following the circulation on social media of a video showing players and members of the national team staff undergoing a security check on the tarmac of an airport, we wish to provide the following clarifications to avoid any erroneous interpretation.

“Contrary to certain information that has been shared, this control did not take place upon the team’s arrival in San Antonio, but rather at the time of boarding at Raleigh airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, before the flight’s departure.

“As part of the logistical organization of the trip, the bus transporting the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly to the airport tarmac. This procedure allowed the players and staff to undergo all the security and police checks directly at the foot of the plane, without having to go through the usual airport terminal zones and boarding lounges.

“The private flight from Raleigh to San Antonio took place under excellent conditions, and the entire delegation arrived at its destination normally.”

Senegal’s World Cup Fixtures

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Senegal possesses a very strong squad. In goal, they have former Chelsea star Edouard Mendy, who was named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper in 2021. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals their defence, while Pape Matar Sarr and Idrissa Gueye are among their midfield options.

They have a plethora of top-class attackers to choose from, including Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr.

The Lions of Teranga will have high hopes of progressing far in the competition, despite being placed in arguably the toughest group of the competition.

They begin their campaign on June 16 when they take on two-time World Cup winners France at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Another tough game against Norway on June 22 follows, before concluding their group stage against Iraq on June 26.

The 2026 World Cup will be watched by millions of fans this summer, with many heading to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to experience all the highs, lows, and unmissable drama of the biggest sports competition on the planet.

16 stadiums across North America will play host to the competition’s

throughout June and July, with 104 matches set to be contested. But just because the World Cup is taking place in North America, doesn’t mean that the party stays in North America.

Watch parties and fan zones are popping up all over the globe — and London is no exception. With England fans hoping that the tournament will deliver the first World Cup trophy in 60 years, pubs, sports bars, and even a few private venues will be welcoming fans hoping to soak up an atmosphere like no other.

So, whether you’re donning your favourite waistcoat or hoping to holler Vindaloo until your throat is hoarse, here are the best World Cup fan zones on offer in London.

Flat Iron Square

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

Area of London: Central

Postcode: SE1 9HP

Nearest Tube Stations: London Bridge, Southwark, and Borough

Size: 420 capacity

Cost for Entry: Free

Flat Iron Square earned its reputation as one of London’s most exciting venues during Euro 2024, and it looks well-placed to maintain its standing at this year’s World Cup. The venue’s open structure and 19 screens lends itself well to big groups. The focal point is the massive screen in the main bar, making the action unmissable from every angle. Add continuous live entertainment and 16 beers to choose from, and you’re onto a winner.

Boxpark

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Area of London: Multiple locations

Postcode: Multiple locations

Nearest Tube Stations: Shoreditch High Street Overground Station, Wembley Park Tube Station, East Croydon Train Station, Camden Town Tube Station

Size: Shoreditch (499 capacity), Wembley (2,000 capacity), Croydon (2,000 capacity), Camden (500 capacity)

Cost for Entry: Generally free, but an entry fee may be required for high-demand events

If you’ve seen beer-soaked fans celebrating the latest England goal on social media, it was probably happening at a Boxpark. And with four locations across the city in Shoreditch, Wembley, Croydon, and Camden, you’re never far away from one either. The open-air Boxpark venues are perfect for big groups hoping to bask in the British sun, with bookings for groups of 25 people or more encouraged. Come for the beer and the big screens, stay for the priceless atmosphere when that first goal goes in.

Vinegar Yard

Area of London: Central

Postcode: SE1 3QU

Nearest Tube Stations: London Bridge and Borough

Size: 400 capacity

Cost for Entry: £15.40

There’s something special about watching sports in green outside spaces. And Vinegar Yard has built itself into a popular destination for football supporters seeking a special fan zone experience. With a 400-person capacity, this venue suits both big groups or individuals just hoping to be a part of the World Cup atmosphere. Your affordable £15.40 ticket comes with your first drink included. And the only thing as vibrant as the luscious, garden-like space is the food on offer. Food vendors are on hand to deliver cuisine from every corner of the globe. Rather apt for a World Cup fan zone experience.

KERB Social Club

Area of London: East

Postcode: E1 6EW

Nearest Tube Stations: Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street

Size: 120 capacity

Cost for Entry: £12 for England games, free for other World Cup fixtures

The best thing you can say about KERB Social is its versatility. A venue that is equal parts pub, equal parts sports bar, fans can also opt for private watch parties in one of the club’s exclusive rooms. It allows for an almost customisable experience. Entry for England games is just £12 and for every other fixture admission is free. And with the World Cup partly taking place in the United States, perhaps this sports bar is the ideal spot for your fan zone this summer.

Box Piccadilly

Area of London: Central

Postcode: W1D 7ED

Nearest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus

Size: 550 capacity

Cost for Entry: Free

With a carousel of screens dotted around the venue, Box Piccadilly is a venue that clearly caters to its sports fans. Located in Soho in the heart of the capital, it’s a fan zone that will prove easily accessible to most. And with a 550-person capacity, you’ll feel the buzz of the atmosphere without feeling cramped. The food and drink selection is the only thing matching the number of screens on offer. This is the quintessential sports bar experience for foodie football fans.

The Rooftop at Madison

Area of London: Central

Postcode: EC4M 9AF

Nearest Tube Stations: St Paul’s, Mansion House, and Bank

Size: 750 capacity

Cost for Entry: £22

Your eyes may be glued to the nearest big screen, but you might just find them drawn to the incredible backdrop from time to time. The Madison Rooftop Bar is set to the beautiful architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral, putting a cultural spin on the chaos of the World Cup. The huge LED screen will help to amplify the action, but this rooftop terrace provides a more relaxed fan zone experience above the streets of the capital. Tickets are a modest £22, but they come with your first beer on the house.

Arsenal may be running out of time to try and land one of their transfer targets for the summer window, as reports claim that their rivals are progressing in talks for the star.

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that the Premier League title win of last campaign isn’t a one-off, with plans to bolster the squad even further in the market to keep winning the top prizes.

Forwards may be a priority for Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, as he ponders the players who could make a difference, but there is work to be done in the backline as well.

Several targets at both left-back and right-back have emerged, but one of them may be slipping out of the champions’ grasp.

Nathaniel Brown Transfer Latest

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Nathaniel Brown this summer, as the Eintracht Frankfurt left-back continues to catch the eye of some big teams.

The Germany international, who has been described as “very fast”, could offer some extra maneuverability in the backline, freeing up the likes of Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori to be rotated or to move elsewhere in the defence.

However, if Arsenal are keen on a move, then they may be running out of time to get a deal done, as Bayern Munich appear to be closing in on a switch.

Florian Plettenberg reports that Bayern have held “positive” negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal to sign Brown, with the parties optimistic that a deal will get done.

Should an agreement be reached soon, then plans are already being put in place for a possible medical in North America, as the defender is at the World Cup with Germany.

The direction of travel certainly suggests that Brown is getting closer to joining Bayern Munich, meaning that Arsenal will need to get their skates on to complete a deal.

That said, the priority for the summer may not be at left-back, but on the other flank instead.

Arsenal’s Full-Back Concerns

While links with a left-back like Brown suggests it is an area of concern for Arsenal, perhaps the more urgent issue should come at right-back instead.

The Gunners have struggled to deal with injuries on the flanks, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber suffering from plenty of problems in the past year or two.

That has required some shuffling around from Arteta, who has often used Cristhian Mosquera out of position at right-back, while he has also experimented with Declan Rice in that position.

It certainly suggests more depth is needed at right-back, particularly for a durable star who can deal with the wear and tear of a demanding season.

However, that may well depend on an exit in that position, which would more likely be White than Timber.

It remains to be seen whether such a move is possible, but it would be no surprise to see some deals being made for a full-back on either side this summer.