A new US immigration order signed by former President Donald Trump has sparked concern among football supporters after reportedly banning nationals from Senegal and Ivory Coast from entering the United States, a move that could have significant implications for fan travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports, the order restricts entry for ordinary passport holders from the two West African nations, placing supporters at risk of being unable to travel to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While exemptions are expected for players, technical staff and their immediate families, the reported measures do not extend to ordinary fans, raising fears of exclusion for supporters from two of Africa’s most passionate footballing nations.
Senegal and Ivory Coast are both traditional powerhouses of African football and are widely expected to be contenders for qualification to the expanded 48-team World Cup. Their supporters are known for travelling in large numbers and creating some of the tournament’s most vibrant atmospheres.
Football administrators and fan groups have warned that restrictions on fan movement risk undermining FIFA’s stated commitment to inclusivity and global participation. The World Cup is expected to attract millions of travelling supporters, and any nationality-based bans could create logistical and reputational challenges for organisers.
Although FIFA has previously negotiated special arrangements with host governments to guarantee access for teams and officials, fan access remains subject to national immigration laws. Analysts say this could result in African supporters being forced to watch matches remotely, even if their teams are competing on US soil.
The development also adds pressure on FIFA and host nations to clarify visa policies well ahead of 2026, particularly as the tournament markets itself as a “global World Cup” spanning three countries.
At the time of publication, there had been no official response from FIFA regarding the reported restrictions, nor clarity on whether alternative travel arrangements—such as attending matches hosted in Canada or Mexico—could provide a workaround for affected fans.
With just over a year before the tournament kicks off, the situation has reignited debate over the intersection of geopolitics, immigration policy and global sport, and whether football’s biggest event can truly remain open to the world’s supporters.
