A U.S. travel ban implemented by President Donald Trump is preventing football fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast from attending the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S. Citing "screening and vetting deficiencies," the ban also affects fans from Iran and Haiti. While players are exempt, supporters are not, causing dismay and prompting calls for a solution before the tournament begins in June.
US travel ban restrictions
- ▪The White House stated the restrictions, which came into force on January 1, are intended to "protect the security of the United States."
- ▪The Trump administration cited "screening and vetting deficiencies" as the primary reason for the travel suspensions
- ▪The travel ban provides exemptions for players, team officials, and immediate relatives, but not for general supporters
- ▪In December, the Trump administration added Senegal and Ivory Coast to a list of countries with partial U.S. entry restrictions
- ▪Fans from Iran and Haiti, two other nations qualified for the World Cup, are also barred from entering the United States
Senegal fan travel barriers
- ▪Senegal may have to play with limited support from fans who are legal U.S. residents, have existing visas, or hold dual nationality
- ▪Senegal fan Sheikh Sy, who attended the last World Cup in Qatar, expressed his determination to travel to the U.S. for the 2026 games
- ▪Senegal is scheduled to play its first World Cup match against France on June 16 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
Ivory Coast supporter access
- ▪Ivory Coast is scheduled to play two group stage games in the U.S., starting against Ecuador in Philadelphia on June 14
- ▪The travel ban prevents Ivory Coast fans who do not already have U.S. visas from attending the 2026 World Cup
- ▪Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande stated that the team can play without supporters and is focused on winning
World Cup hosting responsibilities
- ▪In November, President Trump announced a "FIFA Pass" visa system to prioritize appointment scheduling for soccer fans
- ▪Over 400 additional consular officers have been deployed to embassies worldwide to handle World Cup-related visa requests
- ▪The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19
High ticket costs
- ▪Ivorian supporter Tan Detopeu said that even without a travel ban, many fans could not afford to attend due to the expense
- ▪High ticket costs are cited as another significant barrier for fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast hoping to attend the World Cup
Official reactions to ban
- ▪Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé expressed optimism that a solution for supporters could be found before the tournament
- ▪Senegal supporter Djibril Gueye said that if the U.S. is barring fans, it "shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup."
- ▪Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie stated it is up to politicians and the Ivorian Football Federation to find a solution for fans
Story comments
Loading comments…