World Cup 2026: Visa denials deprive Senegal of their fans (official)

Africa Today at 14:37

Nafongo TRAORE

News Editor

16.06.26 15:00 World Cup

France

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Senegal

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Just like Ivory Coast, Senegal will not be able to send its fans to the 2026 World Cup. All visa applications submitted by supporters of the Teranga Lions have been rejected. The Senegalese Ministry of Sports confirmed this information to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Ndèye Dom Thiaw, the communications advisor for the Ministry of Sports, told AFP: "Since Senegal began participating in the World Cup, this is the first time we have not sent a delegation due to visa issuance restrictions."

Senegal is not the only African nation facing this situation. Visa requests have also been denied for the famous "12th man" supporters of the Ivory Coast Elephants, as well as for the fans of the Leopards from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

US authorities do not want to see fans from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, on their soil

Without traveling supporters from home, the Teranga Lions will have to rely on the backing of the Senegalese and African communities living in North America.

Related teams and leagues

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Senegal

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