World Cup 2026: Senegal fans join growing list of visa denials

Fri 12th Jun, 2026 19:23

Senegal will not be able to count on its supporters from Dakar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as fans of the Lions of Teranga have been refused visas to enter the United States, Senegalese authorities confirmed to AFP.

Like their Ivorian counterparts, Senegalese supporters have been denied entry, meaning no official delegation of fans will travel to support the national team during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The development follows a troubling pattern of visa denials affecting African football participants. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was named by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was recently turned away at a US airport and sent back to Istanbul despite holding a diplomatic passport. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied entry to Canada for his country's opening match against Panama due to his legal situation, though he remains eligible to play in the United States.

From referees to players to fans, the 2026 World Cup has seen a significant number of entry denials affecting African nations, raising questions about equitable access and the consistency of immigration enforcement across the tournament's host countries.

The absence of a vocal backing from home could impact the Lions of Teranga, who have come to rely on passionate support at major tournaments.

Senegal reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and were controversially stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after a protracted legal dispute with Morocco.

Senegal begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against France in Group I. The Lions of Teranga will then face Norway on June 23 and Iraq on June 26 to conclude the group stage.

The visa denials add to the logistical challenges facing African nations at this year's tournament. For Senegal, the focus will now shift entirely to the players on the pitch, as their supporters watch from thousands of miles away.

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World Cup 2026: Senegal fans join growing list of visa denials

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