By Daniel Akinte
Senegal will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the backing of the passionate supporters who have long served as their “12th man,” after many fans were denied visas to travel to the United States.
Despite the setback, the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, remains confident that the Lions of Teranga can still make a significant impact at the tournament.
Senegal is one of several countries participating at this year’s World Cup whose supporters have been unable to travel due to strict immigration restrictions imposed by co-hosts the United States.
The Lions of Teranga are set to play their opening two group-stage matches in the US, starting against France on Tuesday in New Jersey before taking on Norway on June 22.
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“It is true that this World Cup is particularly difficult, but you know every country is a sovereign power and has its own rules,” Sow told AFP from Senegal’s 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.
“It is really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States and we have to respect them.”
This will be Senegal’s fourth appearance at the World Cup, but the first time they have entered the tournament without an official supporters’ group travelling at the government’s expense.
Pape Thiaw’s side must now overcome that challenge as they seek to establish themselves as one of the competition’s potential dark horses.
The team’s best World Cup performance came in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals, while they advanced to the Round of 16 at the last edition in Qatar.
“It is obvious that the African countries are impacted” by the visa restrictions, Sow said.
“Senegal have been used to having the 12th man behind them. We will be denied that.
“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.”