Travel ban clouds World Cup plans for African supporters
Visa restrictions reshape fan travel
As preparations build for the next World Cup, optimism among Senegalese and Ivorian supporters is tempered by immigration rules rather than football results. The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 and hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw fans from across the globe.
In December, the United States placed Senegal and Ivory Coast under partial entry restrictions. According to reporting by The Associated Press, the policy mainly affects travelers who do not already hold valid US visas.
Fans react from the Africa Cup of Nations
The impact of the restrictions has been felt most visibly in Morocco, where supporters from both countries have gathered for the Africa Cup of Nations. Many fans said the measures have left them unsure whether attending World Cup matches in the United States will be possible.
“I don’t know why the American president would want teams from certain countries not to take part. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup,” Senegal supporter Djibril Gueye told The Associated Press.
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While players, coaching staff, and immediate family members are exempt from the ban, ordinary supporters are not included under the current rules.
Policy rationale and wider impact
President Donald Trump has said the restrictions are based on what his administration described as screening and vetting deficiencies. According to The Associated Press, Iran and Haiti, both of which have also qualified for the World Cup, remain subject to similar limits under earlier versions of the policy.
For fans, the lack of specific guidance has created prolonged uncertainty. Fatou Diedhiou, who leads a women’s supporters group in Senegal, said many are waiting to see whether the situation changes before final travel decisions are made.
“We really want to participate but we don’t know how,” Diedhiou said. “Now we just wait because the World Cup isn’t here yet, maybe they’ll change their minds. We don’t know. We wait and see.”
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Determination among long time supporters
Some fans remain resolved to attend despite the obstacles. Sheikh Sy, who followed Senegal to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said supporting the national team abroad has long been part of his identity as a fan.
“So, since Senegal has qualified for the World Cup, we absolutely have to go,” he told The Associated Press.
Teams prepare for limited backing
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé expressed confidence that a solution could still be found, drawing comparisons to previous visa challenges faced by supporters traveling to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. “I think things will be sorted out by the time of the World Cup,” he told The Associated Press.
Players, however, acknowledge that they may have to compete with fewer supporters in the stands. Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande said the situation is outside the team’s control and that their focus remains on performance.
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“It’s OK for us, we can play without supporters,” he said.
Financial barriers add to uncertainty
Even for fans who can legally travel, cost remains a significant obstacle. According to The Associated Press, a Senegal supporter identified as Pape said he would not attend the World Cup despite holding French citizenship, citing both high prices and political concerns.
Ivorian fan Tan Detopeu also questioned whether many supporters could afford the trip. “Even if there was no ban issue, I don’t think that many people would have gone to the World Cup either because it’s kind of expensive,” she said.
A World Cup with quieter stands
As host cities finalize preparations, supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast remain caught between hope and hesitation. Unless policies change, many fans may be forced to follow their teams from afar, raising questions about how inclusive the tournament atmosphere will be in the United States.
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Sources: The Associated Press
