Fans of two 2026 World Cup competing nations face possible USA entry ban

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :December 17, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Modified at :December 17, 2025 at 7:40 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Iran and Haiti fans could also face a potential ban from entering the USA.

A declaration signed by Donald Trump may prevent supporters of two African countries from going to the 2026 World Cup.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration implemented new travel restrictions that will prevent citizens of Senegal and the Ivory Coast from entering the United States.

Those requesting authorisation to attend the World Cup will likely be denied because this prohibition also applies to brief travels for business or anything casual.

Fans from two nations could be banned from coming to the USA

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump join FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other guests while watching the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is the first time in the history of the FIFA CWC that the United States has hosted the competition, one year before the U.S., Mexico and Canada are scheduled to host the World Cup in 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Senegal will be competing in Group I along with nations like France, Norway, and the victor of a playoff between Bolivia, Iraq, and Suriname.

The US’s MetLife Stadium will host their games against France and Norway, but their playoff matchup with their yet-to-be-identified opponents is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, where spectators are welcome to attend as usual.

Meanwhile, the Elephants will compete in Group E along with Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao—the smallest nation to ever qualify for a tournament.

Their matches against Ecuador and Curacao are scheduled to take place in the United States. However, their match against Germany will take place in unfettered Canada, putting them in the same predicament as their AFCON adversaries.

Trump has previously authorised executive orders that allow players, staff, and immediate family members of these national teams to enter the country.

This implies that Premier League players like Amad or Evann Guessand of the Ivory Coast and Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson of Senegal will have no trouble attending the tournament.

However, the new regulations represent a significant challenge for tens of thousands of fans in both nations. The proclamation added 15 countries to the list of 12 that were declared to be prohibited from travelling in June.

Iran and Haiti, two World Cup competitors whose supporters are also at risk of being unable to watch their country compete, were on that first list.

Why is Trump banning Senegal and the Ivory Coast fans from entering the USA?

The actual reason has not been confirmed.

Which World Cup group are Senegal in?

They are in Group I.

Which World Cup group are Ivory Coast in?

They are in Group E.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.