US denies visas to Côte d’Ivoire World Cup fans, warning for Nigerian supporters

Côte d’Ivoire’s home‑based fans have been refused US visas for the 2026 World Cup, the president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE) told AFP on June 10. Julien Kouadio Adonis said the US government explicitly said it did not want Ivorian supporters on its soil, forcing the group to cancel their planned trip. The Elephants are scheduled to play Ecuador in Philadelphia on June 15, Germany in Toronto on June 19, and Curacao in Philadelphia on June 25. Earlier, Kouadio had hoped up to 500 fans would travel, with a handful of CNSE officials authorised to look after Ivorian fans already in the United States. The denial follows similar visa issues for Somali referee Omar Artan and some Iranian support staff. For Nigerians hoping to attend matches or support African teams, this underscores the need to start visa applications early, ensure all documentation is complete, and monitor updates from the US Embassy in Abuja. Missing paperwork or late applications could lead to similar disappointments, especially given heightened scrutiny on travelers from certain regions.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/11/cote-divoire-supporters-banned-from-world-cup-says-fan-body/