FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast fans face US travel restrictions

The president of the Ivory Coast's national supporters group, Julien Kouadio, revealed that his country's home-based fans have been denied visas.

Updated on: Jun 11, 2026, 19:24:54 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, but the tournament has witnessed plenty of controversies. The US government has been facing plenty of backlash from immigration and human rights experts due its travel restrictions on some countries. It all came to focus when Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in the tournament, was denied entry into the country. Other than that, fans from four World Cup qualifying countries won't be able to travel to the US for the tournament.

Ivory Coast's home-based fans have been denied visas. (AFP)

The US government has implemented a full travel ban on Iran and Haiti, both of which qualified for the World Cup this year. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, which has qualified for the World Cup have a partial travel ban. Meanwhile, Senegal has been facing difficulties obtaining US visas. They are among the countries with the highest visa refusal rate.

Also Read: Gianni Infantino tackles FIFA World Cup ticket fury and Somali referee controversy: “We don't control everything”

The president of the Ivory Coast's national supporters group, Julien Kouadio, revealed that his country's home-based fans have been denied visas.

Speaking to AFP, he said, "The supporters have cancelled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, on its soil. The United States has been clear with us, saying they do not want to see our supporters."

"This situation hurts us deeply because it prevents us from fulfilling our sacred duty, which is to support our team."

Artan's entry was a denial that came as the biggest surprise for fans, as he was already included on FIFA's list of World Cup officials this year. In a statement, the US Customs and Border Protection said, "Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."

"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.

"CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law."

Landing in Mogadishu on Wednesday, he received a huge welcome from supporters and officials. Speaking to fans, he said, "I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one."

"I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident."

"It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name.

"Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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