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Uruguay players face unusual sniffer dog checks at World Cup before Saudi Arabia clash
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- Uruguay players face unusual sniffer dog checks at World Cup before Saudi Arabia clash
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
Uruguay's build-up to their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia included an unexpected security check, with players' luggage inspected by sniffer dogs ahead of the match.
Footage of the procedure quickly made its way online, showing Marcelo Bielsa's squad standing by as officials went through bags and equipment.
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It was one of the more unusual off-field moments of the tournament's opening days, coming just before Uruguay kicked off their Group H campaign.
Photo by Carmen Mandato – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Uruguay players undergo sniffer dog checks before Saudi Arabia match
As seen in a recent viral video , Uruguay's players were stopped for security inspections involving sniffer dogs ahead of their World Cup meeting with Saudi Arabia.
Security teams examined luggage and gear before the squad was allowed to continue with their pre-match routine.
The footage attracted attention because it is rare to see such scenes involving national teams at major tournaments, even though strict security is standard at events of this scale.
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Uruguay went on to play Saudi Arabia in their first fixture of the competition, with attention now shifting back to matters on the pitch.
World Cup security under the spotlight
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has seen extensive security operations put in place.
Players, staff and fans are all subject to various checks before entering stadiums and other official areas. The footage involving Uruguay gave a rare look at these measures from inside a team's camp.
Reports said the squad's luggage and equipment were checked before they continued preparations for their opening match.
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It became one of the most widely shared off-field moments involving Uruguay in the early stages of the tournament, though focus will now turn to their campaign under Bielsa.
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