Khaberni - The White House officially announced a controversial decision prohibiting the entry of fans from Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, and Haiti into the United States, citing national security reasons.
The account The Touchline on X quoted the French newspaper L'Équipe stating that in an unprecedented move amid the United States' preparations to host the 2026 World Cup, fans from 4 countries will be banned from supporting their teams in the stands, with the possibility of extending to 5 teams if the Democratic Republic of Congo qualifies for the tournament.
It clarified: “The decision that former President Donald Trump signed last Tuesday includes a direct ban on travel by fans from these four countries to the United States during the 2026 World Cup period, exempting only official delegations of each team including players, technical staff, and families, while banning entry to ordinary fans and supporters.”
He added: "This decision has provoked angry reactions internationally, especially in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, and many fans and officials believe that this move undermines the spirit of global sport and fairness in treating the fans of the participating teams in the biggest event in football.".
He continued: "Football fans in the targeted countries are greatly disappointed due to their exclusion from attending their national teams’ matches on U.S. soil.".
He further stated: "In Tehran and Port Au Prince as well, the decision has sparked a wave of criticism that considers it arbitrary and an unjust targeting of fans who are keen on supporting their teams in the biggest global football gathering.".
