The United States, through an Executive Order, is expanding its previously announced Travel Ban in order to include two new countries in the list of banned nations – Senegal and the Ivory Coast. Both Senegal and the Ivory Coast qualified for participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For those wishing to enter the United States from Senegal or the Ivory Coast, as a result of the Travel Ban, only those with a valid visa (that was issued) before June 9, 2025, will be able to enter.
Concerns regarding visa overstays and documentation fraud
While athletes competing at the 2026 World Cup, coaches and staff supporting the athletes, are exempt from the ban, it is likely that many fans attending the tournament at U.S. venues may experience difficulty when attempting to enter the United States to attend the event.
According to reports, Senegal had an overstay rate of 4%; the Ivory Coast’s rate was 13%, which prompted “partial restrictions and entry limitations.” In addition, “widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents and criminal records” were identified as factors.
Not included in the ban:
- Ordinary tourism and business travelers from Senegal and the Ivory Coast without pre-existing valid visas.
- Fans wishing to watch Senegal play group-stage matches against top-tier teams such as France, Germany, and the U.S. in East Rutherford, N.J., and Philadelphia.
Included in the exemption:
- Athletes, coaches, team officials.
- Immediate family members of athletes.
- Travelers on official U.S. classified diplomatic missions and other official travel.
White House: “Every visa decision is a national security decision”
The American Immigration Council estimates that the travel ban includes 19 original countries and Senegal and the Ivory Coast, thereby affecting fans from four teams that qualify for the 2026 World Cup: Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast.
What are the consequences for the U.S.?
- Economic Impact: Fans from Senegal and the Ivory Coast would have spent money in local economies related to ticket sales, transportation, accommodations, and food at each of the key match venues; prohibiting them from doing so will reduce spending around those match venues.
- Cultural Disconnection: The World Cup is based upon cultural exchange and unity. Prohibiting all national fan bases from attending the World Cup will destroy the essence of the World Cup.
- Strained Diplomacy: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti now all have travel restrictions into the U.S.; therefore, the relationship between the U.S. government and these governments and their diaspora communities will likely become strained.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in FIFA history
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which will feature the most teams in FIFA history (48) and will be the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Some of the group-stage matches for Senegal will occur in U.S. cities, including:
- Senegal: Group I matches at MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
- Ivory Coast: Group E matches at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
Some of Senegal and the Ivory Coast matches will be held in Canada, but fans’ ability to attend U.S. matches is at risk. Many ordinary fans will not have any exemptions or valid visas before June, and thus will be prohibited from entering the U.S.
The Council has previously reported that there could be a significant financial loss
Potential billions in lost tax revenue and spending will be lost due to policies like this, which they argue contradict the goals of large-scale sporting events. Senegalese and Ivorian fans with valid pre-June H-1B visas will not be affected, nor will teams and staff.
Many ordinary fans will lose the opportunity to see their countrymen compete in person at U.S. venues. FIFA has championed the cause of inclusion, but it has not spoken out on this issue. International observers question whether a high-profile sporting event like the World Cup can be reconciled with restrictive immigration policies.
