World Cup ambitions for supporters of Senegal and Ivory Coast have been thrown into disarray after the United States imposed a travel ban on citizens from both countries. The two African nations were added to a list of countries facing partial entry restrictions in December, just months before the US co-hosts the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Fans currently following their teams at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco expressed dismay. “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,” said Senegal supporter Djibril Gueye. President Donald Trump cited “screening and vetting deficiencies” for the ban, which also affects fans from Iran and Haiti.
Players, team officials and immediate relatives are exempt, but no allowance has been made for supporters. “We really want to participate but we don’t know how,” said Fatou Diedhiou, president of a group of female Senegal fans. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé expressed hope a solution would be found, noting similar hurdles were overcome for the Africa Cup in Morocco.
Senegal plays its first World Cup match against France in New Jersey on June 16, while Ivory Coast opens against Ecuador in Philadelphia on June 14. Fans without pre-existing visas or dual nationality face being unable to attend. “It’s a celebration, football is a celebration,” Faé said. “It would be a real shame not to let our supporters come.”
