Senegal’s national team will be without organized support from home at the 2026 World Cup after visa applications submitted by an official supporters’ delegation were rejected by United States authorities.
Senegalese officials confirmed to AFP that no official group of supporters from the West African nation will travel to the tournament, dealing a blow to fans hoping to follow the Teranga Lions on football’s biggest stage.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of visa approval rates for supporters, journalists and officials from several countries participating in the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Senegal, one of 10 African nations competing at the tournament, had expected a delegation of supporters to attend and provide the vibrant atmosphere that has become synonymous with African teams at major international competitions.
However, authorities said the visa applications of the official supporters’ group were denied, preventing the delegation from making the journey.
The absence of Senegalese fans is likely to be felt both inside stadiums and in fan zones, where the country’s supporters are renowned for their colourful displays, music and unwavering backing of the national team.
The visa issue has emerged as one of the major off-field talking points surrounding the tournament, with reports of supporters, journalists and officials from several countries encountering difficulties securing permission to enter the United States.
For Senegal, the setback means the Teranga Lions will begin their World Cup campaign without the organized backing of supporters traveling directly from home, despite carrying the hopes of millions of fans across Africa and the Senegalese diaspora worldwide.
The West African giants are in Group I alongside France, Iraq and Norway.
While many Senegalese living abroad are still expected to attend matches, the absence of an official supporters’ delegation represents a significant disappointment for a nation with a proud football tradition and a passionate fan base.
