Supporters of Senegal and Ivory Coast’s national football teams have been left in uncertainty over plans to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States after the Trump administration expanded a travel ban affecting several African countries. The restrictions, announced in December 2025, bar entry into the United States for nationals of certain countries unless they already hold visas, even though the U.S. is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
The ban does not affect players, officials and immediate relatives, who are permitted entry to participate in the event, but it does apply to ordinary supporters, many of whom were hopeful of travelling to the U.S. to back their teams. Senegal qualified for a group stage game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, starting June 16, while Ivory Coast’s matches are also scheduled in U.S. cities, leaving fans uncertain about how, or whether, they can attend.
Fans at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco expressed disappointment and confusion about the situation, saying that many cannot secure U.S. visas or fear missing the tournament altogether. Supporters and civil society groups have urged U.S. authorities to reconsider the ban in light of the global nature of the World Cup and the tradition of fans travelling internationally to support their teams.
The restrictions have contributed to broader debate about the intersection of immigration policy and international sporting events, with critics arguing that major global occasions should be inclusive and accessible, while proponents of the ban cite security screening and vetting deficiencies as reasons for maintaining strict entry criteria.
