President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation expanding his administration's travel restrictions to include Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, both of which are set to participate in the 2026 World Cup. The two African nations join 37 other countries on the list, with the White House imposing 'partial restrictions and entry limitations', the least severe category of the ban.
The travel ban already included Haiti and Iran, both World Cup participants, under the most stringent restrictions. The decision to add Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire was based on visa overstay rates, according to the White House. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows overstay rates of approximately 4% for Senegal and 8% for Côte d’Ivoire for B1 or B2 visitor visas, which would be required for travelling fans.
However, the proclamation exempts certain categories, including athletes, diplomats, and individuals deemed to serve US national interests. This means players and officials from the affected nations may still enter the country for the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, begins on 11 June. Senegal are drawn in Group I with France, Norway, and a European playoff team, while Côte d’Ivoire are in Group E alongside Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador. Senegal will also face the United States in a friendly on 31 May in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Trump administration's World Cup taskforce, chaired by Andrew Giuliani, introduced a fast-track visa system in December for ticket-holders. However, it remains unclear how this system will handle applications from countries affected by the travel ban.
