Kalidou Koulibaly criticizes travel ban limiting Senegal fan attendance
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:11 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly expressed frustration over a US travel ban impacting fan attendance at the World Cup on June 17, 2026. The ban, issued by President Donald Trump, affects supporters from Senegal and other countries despite the US co-hosting the tournament. While some family members of players can attend, Koulibaly emphasized that all teams should have their supporters present. He remarked on the importance of football being accessible to everyone and highlighted the desire for a better situation for fans. FIFA stated that it cannot alter national laws concerning travel.
- •Koulibaly voiced his concerns after Senegal's loss to France.
- •The travel ban also impacts fans from Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti.
- •FIFA claims it cannot intervene in such national laws.
- •Koulibaly stressed the need for all teams to have their supporters.
- 6:15 PMYahoo Sports — Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly ‘does not understand’ as he hits out at World Cup travel ban
- 7:11 AMYahoo Sports — 'Football is for everybody' - Senegal star angry over fan travel ban
"Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly spoke out against a US travel ban that has limited the number of fans who can cheer on his side at the World Cup US President Donald Trump instituted partial travel bans on Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti in December despite his country co-hosting the World Cup and knowing those nations could qualify. There were exemptions for sports people and close family, but it has left a sour taste with Koulibaly.
"Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has raised concerns over the difficulties supporters from his country have faced travelling to the United States during the 2026 World Cup. The 35-year-old defender spoke out after Senegalese fans were affected by restrictions around entry to America, with Koulibaly questioning why they had been unable to back their national team in person.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 6:15 PMSenegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly ‘does not understand’ as he hits out at World Cup travel ban
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has raised concerns over the difficulties supporters from his country have faced travelling to the United States during the 2026 World Cup. The 35-year-old defender spoke out after Senegalese fans were affected by restrictions around entry to America, with Koulibaly questioning why they had been unable to back their national team in person.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:11 AM'Football is for everybody' - Senegal star angry over fan travel ban
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly spoke out against a US travel ban that has limited the number of fans who can cheer on his side at the World Cup US President Donald Trump instituted partial travel bans on Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti in December despite his country co-hosting the World Cup and knowing those nations could qualify. There were exemptions for sports people and close family, but it has left a sour taste with Koulibaly.
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