Hundreds of football supporters from Côte d’Ivoire have been left disappointed after failing to secure their entry visas in time to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The setback means many passionate fans who planned to support the Elephants during the tournament will not be able to watch their team from the stadium.
According to reports from French newspaper L’Équipe, around 500 Ivorian supporters were expected to make the journey to North America to follow the national team.
However, many of them were unable to complete the visa process before the start of the competition.
The situation has caused frustration among fans who had spent months preparing for the trip, including making travel plans and arranging accommodation.
For many supporters, attending a World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand behind their national team on football’s biggest stage.
Côte d’Ivoire qualified for the 2026 World Cup after securing its place among Africa’s representatives. The Elephants entered the tournament with confidence after winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, a historic achievement that revived national pride and strengthened the bond between the team and its supporters.
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The visa problem comes amid wider concerns about travel difficulties affecting some World Cup participants and fans. Several officials, supporters and members of football delegations have faced challenges related to entry into the United States ahead of the tournament.
The United States, together with Canada and Mexico, is hosting the expanded 48-team World Cup. While the tournament is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world, immigration and visa procedures have become a major talking point before the competition begins.
Despite the setback, Ivorian fans have continued to show their support for the national team. Many are expected to follow the Elephants from home as they begin their World Cup campaign and hope that the players can deliver memorable performances.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the absence of hundreds of travelling supporters will be a major disappointment, as African teams often rely on the energy, colours and passion of their fans during international tournaments.
