This was said by the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation AFP he is convinced his country can have a major impact on this year’s World Cup, despite the «regrettable» decision by US authorities to refuse to grant visas to supporters.
Senegal is one of several countries participating in this year’s World Cup whose supporters have been unable to travel to watch the team due to strict immigration restrictions imposed by co-host nation the United States.
The Lions of Teranga will play their first two group matches in the US, starting against France on Tuesday in New Jersey, where they will also play Norway on June 22.
“It is true that this World Cup is very difficult, but you know that 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 cannot benefit from the support of many Senegalese people and many African people who wanted to come.
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«It’s really unfortunate. FIFA knew about this. These are the laws of the United States and we must respect them.»
This is Senegal’s fourth appearance at a World Cup, but it is the first time that the country participates in a tournament without an official fan group supporting the country at government expense.
Pape Thiaw’s team must overcome that handicap as they look to live up to their reputation as a dangerous outsider in the competition.
The team’s best performance to date came in 2002, when it reached the quarter-finals. It reached the last 16 in Qatar four years ago.
“It is clear that African countries are being affected” by the visa restrictions, said Sow, whose country is among a record 10 teams from the continent at the expanded tournament.
«Senegal is 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 anyway the match will be won on the field. And the fans will not be on the field.»
‘Champion of Africa’
A Senegal side still ranked 16th in the world, led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, is eager to start its campaign.
Recent months have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco after extra time.
But that was after most players walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty given to Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the title as punishment.
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Senegal has referred the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is awaiting the outcome of its appeal.
“It is clear that Senegal will remain the champions of Africa until we get the decision from the CAS,” Sow said.
«We are only focused on the World Cup. For us, the AFCON is behind us. We won it on the field and there is a legal battle going on.»
«We have confidence in the CAS. They will make a decision when the time comes. But that is not our priority at the moment.»
Published on June 16, 2026
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