Senegal fans condemn US travel ban, question World Cup hosting rights: Video
Senegalese football fans have criticised US President Donald Trump after his administration imposed new travel restrictions on Senegal, a move that could prevent supporters from attending next summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The backlash was voiced on Thursday, December 18, at Leopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar, where large crowds gathered to watch the men’s national team during a public training session ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Fans cheered as players, including Edouard Mendy, Iliman Ndiaye, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Pape Matar Sarr, went through warm-up drills.
Several supporters described the US decision as discriminatory and at odds with the unifying spirit of football, calling on both Senegalese authorities and FIFA to intervene.
“It’s unfortunate because football represents unity, openness and cohesion among people,” one fan said. “Trump was elected on a platform to limit immigration, but FIFA will have to act to ensure this decision is reversed.”
Others questioned whether the United States should host a global sporting event if fans from qualified nations are unable to attend.
“The United States should no longer host a world competition,” another supporter said. “Just because it is a powerful country doesn’t mean it should host the World Cup. I’m giving Donald Trump and the United States a red card.”
On Tuesday, President Trump announced new travel measures placing Senegalese and Ivorian nationals under what the administration described as “partial restrictions and entry limitations.” The rules would effectively bar many fans from travelling to the US for the tournament. Fellow World Cup qualifiers Haiti and Iran are also affected by the proclamation, though it confirms that players, officials and accredited team personnel will be exempt.
The White House said the decision was based on high rates of tourist visa overstays, as well as concerns over corruption, fraudulent documentation and criminal records.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition expanded to 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
