With just a few days to go before their first match in the 2026 World Cup, Côte d’Ivoire faces an unexpected and frustrating situation. As excitement builds around the Elephants’ participation in this historic tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bad news has cast a shadow over the atmosphere. Ivorian fans, who hoped to rally behind their team in large numbers, may ultimately be absent from the stands during the group stage.
According to reports from L’Équipe, U.S. authorities have significantly restricted access to the country for many Ivorian supporters wishing to attend their national team’s matches. This decision has sparked confusion and anger within the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), which has been preparing for months to bring hundreds of passionate fans to the tournament.
The CNSE had set up a comprehensive program to allow nearly 500 supporters to travel to the U.S. to cheer for the Ivorian team. However, despite the efforts made and numerous applications submitted, only a handful of officials managed to secure the necessary travel permits.
In light of this situation, CNSE president Julien Kouadio Adonis did not hide his bitterness. He condemned what he sees as an unjustified closure of American doors to Ivorian supporters.
“The United States made it clear to us that they did not want to see our supporters.”
This strong statement illustrates the frustration felt by committee members, as well as the thousands of fans who dreamed of experiencing this global event alongside the Elephants.
Despite several attempts at mediation and negotiation, efforts to resolve the situation have not succeeded. Julien Kouadio Adonis explained that many discussions were needed to try to make the voice of Ivorian supporters heard.
“It took discussions and negotiations to be heard.”
This forced absence is a major blow for the Ivorian team. In major international competitions, popular support often plays a crucial role, especially during decisive matches. The chants, encouragements, and atmosphere created by supporters usually help push players to excel on the field.
For CNSE members, this situation is even more painful as they feel prevented from fulfilling their primary mission: to accompany and support their national team in significant events.
Due to visa issues, supporters will not come from Côte d’Ivoire to support their team in the U.S. > https://t.co/7dj503Klbo pic.twitter.com/KQnQHXrup5
— L’Équipe (@lequipe) June 11, 2026
“This situation hurts us deeply because it prevents us from fulfilling our duty, which is to support our team.”
Beyond the Ivorian case, this issue raises broader questions about access conditions to the United States during the 2026 World Cup. Several observers point to a particularly strict immigration policy affecting various stakeholders linked to the tournament.
The case of Somali referee Omar Artan has fueled debates in recent days. Although he had a valid visa, the official was also turned away upon arrival, sparking numerous reactions in the football world.
This situation comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reminded everyone of the entry rules, stating, “Your ticket is not a visa.”
As the kickoff of the biggest World Cup in history approaches, this controversy continues to grow. For Côte d’Ivoire, the hope now lies in seeing the Elephants shine on the field despite the absence of many supporters who dreamed of experiencing this adventure up close with their team.
