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Travel Ban Threatens 2026 World Cup Fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast
New travel restrictions announced by the Trump administration may prevent supporters from Senegal and the Ivory Coast from attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The restrictions, signed into effect recently, block citizens of these countries from entering the U.S., including for short-term visits such as tourism or business. This means fans hoping to attend the tournament may face significant barriers despite their national teams’ participation.
Senegal is set to compete in Group I alongside France, Norway, and the winner of a playoff between Bolivia, Iraq, and Suriname. Their U.S.-based matches against France and Norway are scheduled at MetLife Stadium, but the playoff game will be held in Toronto, Canada, where attendance by supporters is not affected by the restrictions. This offers at least one opportunity for fans to watch their team without facing travel bans.
The Ivory Coast, nicknamed the Elephants, will play in Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao. Matches against Ecuador and Curacao are set in the United States, while the contest with Germany will be in Canada, similar to Senegal’s situation. This creates challenges for Ivorian fans wishing to attend U.S. matches, as travel prohibitions will apply despite the team’s qualification for the tournament.
Players, staff, and immediate family members are exempt from the ban under previous executive orders, ensuring top professionals from both nations can participate without issue. Premier League stars such as Amad and Evann Guessand from Ivory Coast and Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson from Senegal will therefore be able to compete without restrictions, safeguarding the quality of the matches.
The new rules, however, pose a serious obstacle for tens of thousands of fans. The proclamation adds 15 countries to the 12 already restricted in June, including Iran and Haiti, both of whose supporters are also at risk of being unable to attend the tournament. The situation highlights the tension between political policies and the global spirit of the World Cup, leaving many fans uncertain about their ability to support their teams in person.
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