The vibrant spectacle of the FIFA World Cup, known for its global fanfare, faces a significant hurdle ahead of the 2026 edition. The United States government, under President Donald J. Trump, has implemented updated visa guidelines that could severely restrict or deny entry to football supporters from several nations, including football-loving countries like Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
Stringent Rules Based on Overstay Rates
The core reason cited by the Trump administration for these enhanced restrictions is the high rate of visa overstays. According to official data, Côte d’Ivoire had a B-1/B-2 tourist visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent, while its F, M, and J visa overstay rate was even higher at 19.09 percent. Similarly, Senegal recorded a 4.30 percent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 13.07 percent for F, M, and J categories. These statistics formed the basis for the "partial restrictions" and "entry limitations" now facing their citizens.
A proclamation from the White House stated the move aims to protect national security by addressing "persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing" in certain countries. The policy was reportedly reinvigorated following the arrest of an Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House.
Impact on World Cup and Global Backlash
The implications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, are immediate and concerning. Both Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are scheduled to play two group stage matches in the United States. Their fans, renowned for bringing colour and energy to stadiums, may now be largely absent.
The restrictions also extend to Haiti and Iran, with the latter's football chief initially threatening to boycott the World Cup draw ceremony in protest. While exemptions are granted for athletes, coaches, and their immediate families attending the event, ordinary fans are not covered.
This has sparked international criticism. Jonan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe, expressed deep concern about "selective enforcement and discrimination against fans based on our perceived political views or national origin." He urged FIFA to secure guarantees for safe travel for all global supporters.
FIFA's Previous Warning and the Current Equation
This situation echoes a warning FIFA issued back in 2017. The world football governing body had cautioned that travel bans could hinder the USA's successful joint bid for the 2026 tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had clearly stated that for any World Cup, all qualifying teams, their officials, and supporters must have access to the host nation, otherwise "there is no World Cup."
However, the dynamics between Infantino and the Trump administration have since evolved. The current measures put FIFA in a challenging position, needing to ensure its flagship event remains accessible and inclusive as promised during the bidding process. The coming months will be critical in navigating these diplomatic and logistical complexities to preserve the spirit of the beautiful game's greatest celebration.
