Senegalese football fans are expressing outrage over travel restrictions and exorbitant ticket prices ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

After Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, French actor Omar Sy, who has a Senegalese father, celebrated with the team in the dressing room alongside stars like Sadio Mané. Sy, a French citizen, will face no issues attending Senegal’s opening group match against France in East Rutherford, USA.

However, Senegalese fans holding only a national passport will face US visa restrictions under a ban implemented by former President Donald Trump, affecting 39 countries. This ban also impacts fans from World Cup participants like Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, and Iran. Players, coaches, and official team staff are exempt from the restrictions.

“This is too harsh,” said Senegalese YouTuber and fan Singom Dadji Ngam. “The team can’t play without its supporters, yet the most loyal fans are excluded.” Many African fans have voiced calls to boycott the World Cup in protest, arguing that competitions are meaningless without spectators.

Financial barriers add to the frustration, with ticket prices averaging nearly €7,000 for a full tournament package—five times higher than at Qatar 2022. Only a small fraction of cheaper tickets are available, making the event inaccessible to many fans.

“The measures are a disgrace. They are ruining football,” said an Ivorian AFCON attendee, reflecting the sentiment of many across social media.

With political and economic obstacles converging, African fans may face one of the toughest paths to supporting their teams at a World Cup in history.