Senegal fans take part in a pre-match rally in support of the football team in Times Square. | Photo Credit: AP

The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation has told AFP he is confident his country can have a big impact at this year’s World Cup despite the “regrettable” decision of US authorities to refuse to issue visas to supporters.

Senegal is one of several countries participating in this year’s World Cup whose supporters have not been able to travel to follow the team due to the tight immigration restrictions imposed by co-host United States.

The Lions of Teranga are playing their first two group games in the US, beginning against France on Tuesday in New Jersey, where they will also play Norway on June 22.

“It is true that this World Cup is particularly difficult, but you know every country is a sovereign power and has its own rules,” Abdoulaye Sow said at the Senegal team base, an hour south of Manhattan.

“The United States has its own laws and regulations, and these laws mean that – unlike European countries, for example – we are not able to benefit from the support of many Senegalese people and many African people who wanted to come.

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“It is really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States, and we have to respect them.”

This is Senegal’s fourth appearance at a World Cup, but it is the first time it has entered a tournament without an official fan group coming to back it at the government’s expense.

Pape Thiaw’s team must overcome that handicap as it aims to live up to its billing as a dangerous outsider in the competition.

The team’s best performance to date came in 2002, when it reached the quarterfinals. It reached the last 16 four years ago in Qatar.

“It is obvious that the African countries are impacted” by the visa restrictions, said Sow, whose nation is one of a record 10-strong contingent of teams from the continent at the expanded tournament.

“Senegal has been used to having the 12th man behind them. We will be denied that,” he added.

“But there are Senegalese people and African people here. And in any case the match will be won on the pitch. And the supporters will not be on the pitch.”

‘Champion of Africa’

Ranked 16th in the world, a Senegal side still led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mané is itching to get its campaign started.

The last few months have been overshadowed by the controversy of January’s Africa Cup of Nations final, which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco after extra time.

But that was after most of its players walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty given to Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of its title as a punishment.

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Senegal has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is awaiting the outcome of its appeal.

“It is clear that until we get the decision of the CAS, Senegal remains the champion of Africa,” said Sow.

“We are just focused on the World Cup. For us, the AFCON is behind us. We won it on the pitch, and there is a legal battle ongoing.

“We have faith in the CAS. They will make a decision when the time comes. But that is not our priority right now.”

Published on Jun 16, 2026