African Countries React to Trump’s World Cup 2026 Travel Bans

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January 13, 2026
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Football fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast attending the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are expressing deep dismay over a new US travel ban.

The restrictions, signed by President Donald Trump, place these nations in a category that could prevent thousands of supporters from attending the 2026 World Cup.

Fans at the tournament in Morocco described the move as a blow to the spirit of global football and the unity the event is supposed to represent.

The Trump administration justified the ban by citing high visa overstay rates roughly 4% for Senegal and 8% for Ivory Coast alongside concerns regarding unreliable civil documents.

While athletes, coaches, and their immediate relatives are specifically exempt from these restrictions, ordinary fans face “partial restrictions and entry limitations.” This has left many who already purchased tickets or planned travel in a state of legal and financial limbo.

The news has sparked a backlash among international observers and rights groups, who argue that the policy contradicts the “welcoming” promises made during the World Cup bidding process. Critics note that other participating nations, including Haiti and Iran, are also under stringent bans, potentially stripping the tournament of its diverse international atmosphere. FIFA has yet to clarify how its fast-track visa system will navigate these specific diplomatic hurdles.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches this June, the uncertainty has cast a shadow over the final stages of AFCON. Supporters of the “Teranga Lions” and the “Elephants” are calling for diplomatic interventions to ensure they can follow their teams to North America. For many, the situation highlights a growing clash between the administration’s “America First” immigration agenda and the inclusive requirements of hosting the world’s largest sporting event.