Football supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast are facing a major hurdle in their plans to cheer on their teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This follows a recent proclamation by former US President Donald Trump that imposes new travel restrictions on the two African nations.
Details of the Presidential Proclamation
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Trump administration issued a partial travel ban targeting nationals from Senegal and Ivory Coast. The order suspends their entry into the United States. This move adds to existing restrictions already placed on citizens from Iran and Haiti, who are also World Cup qualifiers.
The proclamation, which builds on an initial order from June 2025, is officially titled 'RESTRICTING THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES FROM FOREIGN TERRORISTS AND OTHER NATIONAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY THREATS'. It applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, effectively blocking ordinary fans who would need tourism visas to attend the tournament.
Impact on World Cup Travel Plans
The timing of this ban creates a direct conflict with the upcoming global football event. Earlier in December, the draw for the revamped 48-team competition placed Senegal in Group I and Ivory Coast in Group E. With matches scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico between June and July 2026, supporters from these countries may be excluded from games held on American soil.
It is important to note that the ban is expected to affect only travelling supporters. Exemptions are likely for the footballers themselves, their support staff, and immediate family members who would be travelling on official team or related business visas. However, for the passionate fans who form the vibrant backbone of African football support, this news is a devastating blow.
Broader Implications and Reactions
This development raises significant questions about accessibility and inclusion at one of the world's most-watched sporting events. The fusion of international sports and geopolitics has placed fans in a difficult position through no fault of their own. The ban covers the crucial tourism and business visitor categories that fans would typically use, leaving them with very few legal avenues to enter the US during the tournament period.
As the football world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the situation underscores how political decisions can have unintended consequences on global cultural and sporting exchanges. Fans from the affected nations are now left hoping for a potential policy review or special dispensation before the tournament kicks off.
