US denies visas to Ivory Coast fans for World Cup
The United States has refused to grant visas to many Ivory Coast-based supporters hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters, said this decision has forced fans to cancel their travel plans. The situation has raised concerns about US visa policies affecting not just supporters, but also some officials and participants. Despite the setback, a few committee officials and many Ivorian supporters already living in the US are still expected to attend the matches.
Match highlights
- Julien Kouadio Adonis said US authorities denied visas to Ivory Coast-based supporters, leading to trip cancellations.
- The World Cup will see Ivory Coast play Ecuador on June 15 and Curacao on June 25 in Philadelphia, with a match against Germany in Toronto in between.
- Earlier this week, Somali referee Omar Artan and some Iranian team staff were also reportedly denied US visas.
- Only a small number of CNSE officials received authorisation to travel, while over 1,000 Ivorian supporters living in the US are expected at the matches.
- The CNSE, under the Ivory Coast Ministry of Sport, organises travel for supporters during international competitions.
