World Cup 2026: Kalidou Koulibaly questions travel restrictions on Senegal fans after loss to France

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has expressed frustration over the travel restrictions preventing many Senegalese supporters from attending the FIFA World Cup in the United States, saying he does not understand why African fans are unable to back their teams in person.

Senegal is among several countries whose citizens face travel restrictions to the United States following a proclamation signed by Donald Trump in December. The measures also affect nationals from Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti, all of whom have teams competing at the World Cup.

The restrictions suspend entry into the United States for certain immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist visas, which are required for supporters wishing to attend matches.

While exemptions were granted to players, coaching staff and immediate family members of participating athletes, travelling supporters were not included in the waiver provisions.

Speaking after Senegal’s 3-1 defeat to France in their opening World Cup match, Koulibaly acknowledged the efforts made by the Senegalese Football Federation to ensure family members could join the team but lamented the absence of many supporters.

“The federation did the work for us to have parents or our close family with us,” the former Chelsea defender said. “But it’s true that some supporters couldn’t fly to America.”

The veteran defender questioned why fans from his country were unable to enjoy the same opportunity as supporters from other nations.

“I think that every team can have their people, so I don’t understand why people from Africa cannot have their people,” Koulibaly said.

The 35-year-old stressed that his concerns were centred on football rather than politics.

“I don’t want to speak about politics or something like this. I just want to speak about football, enjoy football, and I think football is for everybody.

“I hope that the situation will be OK, but for me the most important thing is that we have to play for our people.”

Despite the restrictions, Koulibaly praised the Senegalese community in the United States for rallying behind the team. A large Senegalese diaspora, particularly in the Harlem area of New York City, turned out to support the Lions of Teranga during their opening fixture at MetLife Stadium.

Senegal will now look to bounce back from their defeat against France as they continue their quest to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.