Just months before the whistle kicks off the biggest soccer event in the world, U.S. President Donald Trump (aged 79) dropped a bombshell with the issuance of a presidential decree prohibiting fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast from entering U.S. territory to attend the 2026 World Cup matches.
The decision is part of a series of strict restrictions that previously included Iran and Haiti, striking like lightning upon fans of the "Lions of Teranga" and the "Elephants", sparking a global wave of discontent and fears of politicizing sports.
"Veto" on fans.. with exceptions for players
According to the French newspaper "L'Equipe", the decree suspends the issuance of tourist visas to citizens of the two countries, meaning the impossibility of fans being present in American stadiums. However, the decision included "limited exceptions" limited to the players, members of technical and administrative teams, and their first-degree relatives, to ensure the smooth progress of the official matches.
"Toronto".. the only lifeline
This decision has placed African fans in a real dilemma, where their only option to follow their teams is to travel to Canada or Mexico (co-hosting partners). Fortunately, the Ivory Coast national team will play its first match against Germany in the city of Toronto on June 20, while Senegal will play in the same city on June 26. The fans hope that the "Canadian visa" will be their savior to be at the heart of the event, albeit outside American borders.
Angry reactions
Social media platforms erupted with the anger of fans and critics who described the decision as "unfair" and threatening to the "spirit of sports". Analysts confirmed that this historic precedent puts the United States in an embarrassing position as a host country and could cost the host cities economic losses due to the absence of sports tourism from these countries.
