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.

Tottenham are incredibly busy in the summer transfer window already, but Tuttosport reports that a surprise swap deal could now be on the cards.

It comes as Spurs are looking to rebuild the squad to improve on their recent disappointing campaigns in the Premier League, with an initial focus on the backline.

Andy Robertson has been announced as the first deal of the summer, joining from Liverpool at the end of his contract, while Marcos Senesi is set to join shortly after on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

A new contract for Ben Davies keeps even more depth and leadership in the squad, while work is underway to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

Despite that, another centre-back could be on the cards in a surprise swap deal.

Gleison Bremer Swap Deal

According to reports from Tuttosport, Tottenham are interested in a move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as an option to replace Cristian Romero this summer.

It’s claimed that Roberto De Zerbi is keen on the ‘monster’ centre-back, having seen his work during his time at Sassuolo, while the Brazilian is also open to a potential exit from Juventus.

A €58 million (£50 million) release clause exists in the 29-year-old’s deal that the Bianconeri can point to in transfer discussions, but Spurs may have a trick of their own.

The report adds that Tottenham are trying to lower that valuation in transfer discussions by offering Guglielmo Vicario as an option, in what could be a potential swap deal if discussions moved in that direction.

The goalkeeper has been linked with an exit from the North London club this summer, and has been outlined as a potential target for Juventus.

A €20 million (£17.25 million) has been placed on the Italian goalkeeper, and while the interest in Bremer may not necessarily lead to a swap deal, it is suggested as an option for Spurs.

It remains to be seen whether it is possible, but it would be quite a surprise move for the Lilywhites, for several different reasons.

Bremer Transfer Surprise

While Bremer has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, a switch to Tottenham this summer would come as something of a surprise.

Even with exits expected for Romero and Radu Dragusin, Spurs are set to have plenty of centre-back options if they can get their current targets through the door.

Senesi and Van Hecke would be competing with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Luka Vuskovic for minutes, while the pairing of Robertson and Davies could also function on the left-side of the central pair.

Throwing Bremer into the mix would only unbalance things even further, not least when Tottenham don’t have the schedule to justify such strength in depth for one specific area.

Adding Vicario in for a potential swap deal may also be a surprise, as Spurs would likely reinvest anything into another goalkeeper to compete with Antonin Kinsky.

The goalkeeper does look set for an exit, however, even despite De Zerbi describing Vicario as a “top player” during his stint at the club so far.

Even if that is the case, he may not end up at Juventus, because recent reports have suggested that their priority will be Aston Villa ace Emiliano Martinez.

It remains to be seen if there is a twist in the tale that will see a swap deal occur, but it would be quite the surprise if so.