Koulibaly asks for understanding after visa restrictions for Senegalese fans at the 2026 World Cup

Senegal's captain Kalidou Koulibaly has expressed his disappointment after the 1-3 defeat to France in the first group match of the 2026 World Cup in the United States that Senegalese fans could hardly cheer their country in the stadium. Recent US restrictions have prevented most Senegalese supporters from entering the country.

The Senegalese Football Association could only arrange for immediate family members of players to be present at the match. "The association has done everything it can to get our parents and loved ones here. But it is true that some fans could not travel to America. I believe that every team should be able to have its own supporters, and I do not understand why this is often not the case with African teams," Koulibaly emphasized after the match.


Koulibaly indicated that he did not want to make political statements, but that he found the situation a shame: "Football is for everyone. I hope this improves, but the most important thing is that we continue to play for our people, wherever they are."

The restrictions follow a statement by the US government in December 2025, which limits entry to the US for citizens of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti, among others. Exceptions only apply to athletes, supervisors and immediate family, not to regular fans. Senegal therefore mainly received support from the local diaspora in New Jersey.

Senegal has been placed in group I and will play its next group match against Norway on June 23.

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