Uzbekistan arrive in USA under heavy security scrutiny

Uzbekistan touched down in the USA, met by heavy security

Your team has arrived on American soil for the 2026 World Cup, but the welcome was far from warm. US customs subjected the Uzbekistan delegation to intensive security checks – metal detectors, drug-sniffing dogs, and full baggage searches – drawing sharp reactions in the international press (2) (3). The contrast with other teams' arrivals has not gone unnoticed, and the controversy is already making headlines before a ball has been kicked.

Friendly against the Netherlands looms

The World Cup debutants face the Netherlands in a warm-up friendly this week, a crucial test before the tournament begins. Dutch manager Ronald Koeman is using the match to settle his starting line-up after a shock 1–0 defeat (1). For Uzbekistan, it is a rare chance to measure themselves against a European heavyweight on the biggest stage – every minute counts.