Argentina's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, defender Nicolas Tagliafico, and Egypt's midfielder Mostafa Ziko jump for the ball.
Egyptian fans say faced racism & profiling by security at Argentina World Cup game
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Videos circulating on social media have sparked widespread outrage and allegations of profiling and racism after stadium security staff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt appear to have said they are exclusively searching Egyptian supporters.
The incident, which took place outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, was captured in multiple video clips by arriving fans.
In the footage, security personnel from the firm contracted for the venue are seen pulling aside fans wearing Egypt national team or Liverpool jerseys for physical body searches.
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Meanwhile, fans in Argentina colors are permitted to pass through the turnstiles without being stopped, according to the accounts and footage given by Egyptian fans.
The controversy intensified after a second clip showed an individual confronting a security guard directly on camera. When asked, "You guys only pad down Egypt?" the security official responded plainly, "Yeah."
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The footage has ignited fierce online backlash, with Egyptian supporters condemning the selective screening as blatant profiling.
The off-pitch incident added to an already tense day for Egyptian football.
Egypt was ultimately eliminated from the tournament following a fiercely contested 3-2 loss to Argentina, a match that left Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan publicly complaining that his squad had been "cheated" by controversial refereeing decisions.
