How football fans face missing out on World Cup due to Trump's latest travel ban
With the World Cup games heading to the US in less than five months, many international fans are anxious about missing out due to the President's travel bans.
Donald Trump has issued a host of full or partial travel bans to more than 30 countries, including four participating in the games, with exemptions available for players and team personnel.
The restrictions have caused worry among fans currently following their teams at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Fox News reports.
President Trump cited 'screening and vetting deficiencies' as the main reason for the suspensions.
Senegal and the Ivory Coast were added in December to a list of countries facing partial entry restrictions into the United States, a co-host of the upcoming tournament alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Fans from Iran and Haiti, two other countries that have qualified for the World Cup, will be banned from entering the United States as well.
They were included in the first iteration of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration.
For those without pre-existing visas, the new rules effectively prevent travel to the US to witness the World Cup.
Senegal and the Ivory Coast were added in December to a list of countries facing partial entry restrictions into the United States. Senegal fans are pictured at a home game in 2024
The restrictions include an exception for players, team officials and immediate relatives travelling to the World Cup, but no allowance has been made for supporters.
Senegal fan Djibril Gueye told The Associated Press that in his view, if the US is barring certain visitors, then the country shouldn't agree to host the World Cup.
There were more than 3.4million spectators at the 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar.
Players and coaches have also expressed concern that fans will not be able to cheer them on.
Team coach Emerse Faé said it would be a 'shame' to deny supporters.
He's hopeful a deal can be reached, however, citing Ivory Coast fans facing a similar issue for the Africa Cup in Morocco.
'In the end, everything went very smoothly, and they were able to come as long as they had tickets to see the matches. I think things will be sorted out by the time of the World Cup,' Faé said.
In November, President Trump announced a 'FIFA Pass' visa system that will prioritise appointment scheduling for football fans.
Pictured: Senegal fans during the Fifa World Cup in Russia in 2018
'I've directed my administration to do everything within its power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.
'I think it's going to be the greatest, and we are setting records on ticket sales,' Trump said at the time.
'With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa and then coming, of course, into the country to enjoy,' FIFA President Gianni Infantino added.
It comes as Mali and Burkina Faso announced travel restrictions on American citizens after the US added both countries to the no-entry list.
