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Visa Barriers Threaten Senegal World Cup Fan Presence

Published by: The Fatu Network

A dream thousands of Senegalese football fans have waited years to experience is now slipping away before the 2026 FIFA World Cup even begins.

Senegal’s Sports Minister, Khady Diène Gaye, says the government will not organise fan travel to the United States after repeated visa refusals, including for leaders of major fan groups. Reports also indicate that even senior Senegalese football officials have struggled to obtain US visas.

The situation is fueling fears that one of Africa’s most passionate football nations could arrive at the world’s biggest tournament without the sea of supporters that helped make Senegal famous in world football.