By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Senegalese football supporters are confronting significant challenges following the U.S. government’s recent expansion of its travel ban, which now includes Senegal among the affected nations. This development raises concerns about the ability of fans to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches scheduled in the United States.
The travel restrictions, announced on December 16, 2025, impose limitations on nationals from several countries, citing concerns over visa overstay rates and security issues. While athletes and essential personnel are exempted, ordinary fans from Senegal face hurdles in obtaining visas for travel to the U.S.
Senegal’s national team is set to participate in Group I of the tournament, with matches against France, Norway, and a European playoff winner. However, the travel ban casts doubt on the presence of Senegalese supporters in U.S. stadiums, potentially impacting the team’s morale and the tournament’s atmosphere.
In response to the situation, FIFA has introduced a “supporter entry tier” ticket priced at £45, aiming to alleviate some of the challenges faced by fans from affected countries. Nevertheless, critics argue that this measure is insufficient, given the limited number of tickets available and the complexities of international travel under current restrictions.
The broader implications of the travel ban have sparked discussions about its impact on international sporting events and the inclusivity of global tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. As the tournament approaches, stakeholders continue to assess the situation and explore avenues to ensure that fans worldwide can partake in the celebration of football.
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