With less than a year to go before the 2026 World Cup, a major concern is emerging for African teams: the possible absence of their supporters. Amnesty International has raised alarms over travel restrictions that could impact thousands of fans.
The organization highlights the consequences of US migration policies, as the country will host most of the tournament’s matches. More than 500,000 expulsions were recorded in 2025, raising serious questions about accessibility for international supporters. Nations like Senegal and Ivory Coast, known for their passionate fan bases, could be forced to compete without their crucial “12th man”, potentially affecting performance on the global stage.
Warning signs are already appearing. The refusal to grant visas to Congolese supporters during North American qualifiers underscores the challenges ahead. Beyond travel issues, Amnesty also points to possible restrictions on civil liberties that could affect visiting fans. As the tournament approaches, pressure is mounting on FIFA to ensure a truly inclusive World Cup, where every team can rely on the full support of its people from June 11 to July 19, 2026.