Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on January 18, having already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant unbeaten qualifying campaign.
In normal circumstances, fans would enter this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with excitement and optimism.
Instead, Morocco were retrospectively awarded the AFCON title and supporters’ worries extend far beyond how the west African side will cope in the ‘Group of Death’, with France, Norway and the winner of the Iraq vs Bolivia play-off.
Stringent and expensive visa restrictions for fans — and potentially even for players — imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration have sparked complex emotions.
Amid sadness, frustration and disbelief, many are considering boycotting the tournament even if they are allowed to attend.
The Athletic spoke to a number of Senegal fans, one of whom spoke anonymously to avoid encountering further issues with their visa application, to discuss the situation.
Simon Ndiaye, 35, who watched Senegal beat Peru 2-0 in Paris on Saturday, says he knows lots of people planning to travel.
“I have French nationality so I can go, but it’s a mindset of (the U.S.) being selective. That’s the biggest shame. And that’s why I’m a bit hesitant.
“Football is a party, so we should celebrate with all the qualified countries. Imposing restrictions like this simply because it’s the United States, that doesn’t reflect the spirit of football.
“If a team doesn’t have all its supporters behind it, it can be a disadvantage because supporters are very important. It’s where teams draw their strength.”
Journalist Mounire Sonko says: “It’s a disgrace because FIFA rules claim equality, respect and honour. (The U.S.) banning fans from a qualified country to support their team is discriminatory and that’s something we don’t need in football.
“People are disappointed and currently a boycott is the most widely shared sentiment among fans.”
FIFA has been approached for comment by The Athletic.
Last week, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton reported that some fans must deposit up to $15,000 (£11,400) in bond payments to be granted a tourist visa to enter the U.S.
The “Visa Bond Pilot Program” relates to 50 countries, including Senegal, meaning potential attendees otherwise deemed eligible for entry must now also have the means to post a bond of either $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, which may preclude or deter many from travelling at all.
Though a U.S. State Department spokesperson told The Athletic that all who depart the U.S. in a timely fashion before their visa expires will recover their money, the situation is causing concern among soccer federations of designated nations.
At the least, it contradicts FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has repeatedly claimed the tournament will be the “most inclusive” in history.
One fan, speaking on condition of anonymity, says: “I already have tickets for three matches but I don’t know how we’re going to get a visa. How can we do more than we’re doing, given the restrictions Trump has put on the Senegalese?
“I also have friends hoping to attend, but it will be difficult. We’re waiting to see if we can find a solution by April. Football is supposed to bring people together. It’s a real shame.”
Mimi Sonko adds: “If things aren’t going well, I won’t be going. If they do, I will.
“Trump’s statement was polemical, but our government is making efforts to send fans to support the team.”
Amnesty International warned fans attending the World Cup risk being confronted with “troubling attacks on human rights” in a report published on Sunday.
It noted “severe restrictions on freedom of expression” and highlighted “discriminatory immigration policies”, referencing travel bans on fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast — among others — while warning foreign fans will face “intrusive surveillance”.
It also argues that agreements for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collaborate with local law enforcement “increases racial profiling and targeting of immigrants… leading to reduced public safety”.
In response, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told The Athletic: “Every effort is being made to ensure that these events are safe and successful, and that global fans, families, and athletes have a seamless experience during every part of their visit.”
Fan Boubou Sow, 36, says: “This World Cup will be complicated. You need a good (visa) application with a lot of money. I have dual nationality, so I can go, but a lot of friends I go to tournaments with said, ‘On principle, I will not go to the World Cup’ because Trump doesn’t want us to attend.
“The Ultras 221 fan group says ‘Trump is not good with us’ and that they (U.S. authorities) are trying to filter out African fans. That’s a bit discouraging for most people. It’s really a shame.”
Senegal fans at the 2-0 win against Peru last weekend (Julien De Rosa / AFP via Getty Images)
Lahad Dia concludes: “I hope the current situation calms down and organisers… defuse the tension so the Senegalese can travel there in complete peace of mind.
“At the World Cup, you meet people of different nationalities, with different backgrounds. Senegalese people will meet Colombians, Brazilians, Australians, Japanese, English people and so on.
“It’s a celebration which brings together and blends many, many cultures, and that’s far more important than winning the World Cup or the Best Player trophy.
“That’s something really close to my heart. We must do everything we can to ensure we don’t lose that.”
