Tangier, Morocco – Football fans from Senegal and the Ivory Coast are facing uncertainty over the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States due to a travel ban imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

The US president added the two West African nations to a list of countries with partial entry restrictions in December 2025. While players, officials, and immediate relatives can travel, fans without visas are effectively barred from entering the United States to support their teams.

Fans Speak Out

At the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, supporters expressed disappointment and frustration. Senegal fan Djibril Gueye told the Associated Press:

“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.”

Fatou Diedhiou, president of a female Senegal fan group, said:

“We really want to participate, but we don’t know how. Now we just wait because the World Cup isn’t here yet, maybe they’ll change their minds.”

Teams Hope for a Solution

Senegal opens its World Cup campaign in New Jersey on June 16 against France, followed by matches against Norway and a playoff winner in Toronto. The Ivory Coast plays Ecuador on June 14 in Philadelphia, faces Germany in Toronto, and concludes the group stage against Curacao on June 25 in Philadelphia.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae expressed optimism that fans would eventually be able to attend:

“In the end, everything went very smoothly in Morocco, and they were able to come as long as they had tickets. I think things will be sorted out by the time of the World Cup.”

Players remain focused on the games, despite the uncertainty. Winger Yan Diomande said:

“It’s OK for us, we can play without supporters. The most important thing is to win every game.”

Team captain Franck Kessie added:

“It’s up to politicians to find a solution, but we’ll work together with the Ivorian Football Federation to make it easier for supporters.”

Additional Challenges

Even fans who can travel legally, such as dual nationals, face high costs for tickets and accommodations. Senegal supporter Pape, who holds French citizenship, said he would not attend as a matter of political conviction. Ivorian fan Tan Detopeu highlighted affordability concerns:

“Even if there was no ban, I don’t think that many people would have gone because it’s very expensive.”

The Trump administration has cited “screening and vetting deficiencies” as the reason for the ban, which also affects Iran and Haiti—other countries qualified for the World Cup. Critics argue the ban undermines the inclusive spirit of the tournament, set to run June 11–July 19, 2026, across the US, Canada, and Mexico.