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Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne was searched after the Belgian national team arrived in the United States, adding to growing attention around strict security checks faced by World Cup delegations before the tournament has fully kicked off.
The Belgian team's arrival followed similar reports involving Senegal and Uzbekistan, whose national team delegations were also subjected to detailed airport controls upon reaching the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese delegation underwent a detailed security check at the airport after arriving in the United States, while the national teams of Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan also faced strict controls, including searches carried out with police dogs.
The checks have drawn attention because they involved national teams arriving for football's biggest international tournament, where delegations usually expect formal but smooth entry procedures.
Belgium's arrival brought the issue back into focus after Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates were searched during immigration control. The incident was shared alongside earlier footage and reports showing Senegal players and officials going through tight inspections.
Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard criticized the situation, saying the World Cup in the United States was already facing problems before it had properly begun.
He pointed to several issues, including strict security checks involving Belgium and Senegal, the case of Somali referee Omar Artan reportedly being denied entry, Iran saying FIFA had withdrawn its fans' ticket allocation, and concerns over the U.S. summer weather.
"This FIFA World Cup in the U.S. is becoming the worst tournament even before it has started! This is not how it is supposed to be," Gerrard said.
He also said the buildup should normally be focused on favorites, star players and football, but was instead being shaped by travel problems, ticket controversies and immigration issues.
Gerrard described the Omar Artan case as one of the most disappointing stories linked to the tournament, saying FIFA had selected him because the body considered him qualified to officiate at the World Cup. Yet he was prevented from taking part in the tournament for reasons unrelated to football.
He also referred to Iran's federation's claim that its ticket allocation for supporters had been withdrawn days before the competition, arguing that fans should not pay the price for political disputes.
On the security checks, Gerrard said players and delegations had complained about the delays and level of control, adding that people could stop feeling welcomed and start feeling "like they're being treated as suspects."
The concerns have not been limited to airport controls and entry issues. Gerrard also raised the question of heat, saying players were expected to perform at the highest level in difficult summer conditions that could affect the rhythm of matches.
He said he still hoped football would save the tournament, but added that the current headlines were not helping FIFA or the image of the World Cup as a global celebration of the game.
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