In a move with significant implications for global football, President Donald Trump has expanded his administration's controversial travel ban to include two nations set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new proclamation, signed on Tuesday, adds Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire to the list of countries facing entry restrictions to the United States.
Details of the Expanded Restrictions
The White House announced the addition of the two African football powerhouses, citing visa overstay rates as the primary justification. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the overstay rate for B1/B2 visitor visas—the type required by travelling fans—is approximately 4% for Senegal and 8% for Cote d'Ivoire. They join a list that now totals 18 nations, including fellow 2026 World Cup participants Haiti and Iran, which face the most stringent restrictions.
For Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, the restrictions are currently classified as "partial restrictions and entry limitations," the least severe category within the ban's framework. The proclamation does, however, outline specific exemptions. Athletes, diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests will not be subject to the ban, a clause designed to ensure competing teams can enter the country.
Impact on the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins on 11 June 2026. Cote d'Ivoire will compete in Group E against Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador. Senegal is in Group I with France, Norway, and a European playoff team. Notably, Senegal is scheduled to play the United States men's national team in a pre-tournament friendly in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 31 May 2026.
The Trump administration's World Cup taskforce, chaired by Andrew Giuliani, had previously unveiled a fast-track visa system for ticket holders in December. This FIFA-prioritised appointment system is meant to push fans to the front of the queue for visa interviews. However, it remains unclear how this process will interact with the new restrictions for citizens of the affected countries.
Broader Controversies Surrounding the Tournament
The 2026 World Cup has been mired in several controversies, extending beyond immigration policy. FIFA has faced intense criticism for implementing dynamic pricing, which has led to exorbitant ticket costs, sparking fury among supporters. The integration of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement with the planning of a global sporting event presents a unique logistical and diplomatic challenge, potentially affecting the experience for thousands of travelling fans.
While players and official delegations are shielded by the exemptions, supporters from Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Haiti, and Iran may encounter significant hurdles. The situation underscores the complex intersection of international sport, politics, and border policy, setting the stage for a World Cup unlike any other.
