Immigrants and foreigners support Senegal while their fans are at home
Immigrants and foreign fans replaced the Senegalese fans who remained at home on Tuesday (16), as the African team was defeated 3-1 by France in their World Cup debut, with many of their supporters unable to travel to the United States.
Coach Pape Thiaw told the press that he hoped Senegalese fans residing in the US would make their voices heard in New Jersey, after reports reported that several supporters had been denied visas to watch the tournament in the country.
"I'm in one of the highest and farthest seats in the stadium, but I hope they can hear me down there on the lawn," said Jessica Ambres, a Brooklyn resident, wearing a Senegal shirt and carrying the country's flag. She said she feels a connection to the African diaspora because she is a black American.
"As one of the host countries of this competition, it is quite disheartening to see the way we have treated citizens of the world", he added.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino sought to play down concerns last year after US President Donald Trump launched an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign during his second term as the country prepared to co-host the biggest World Cup in history alongside Mexico and Canada.
"The world is welcome in America," Infantino said during the May 2025 FIFA Congress. "Certainly the players, certainly everyone involved, all of us, but also, without a doubt, all the fans."
But migration issues have become an inevitable narrative at the world's biggest sporting event. The United States denied entry to a Somali referee, and the head of Iran's delegation criticized FIFA for its "lack of coordination" over visa problems.
The United States has totally or partially suspended the issuance of travel visas for 39 countries, including some that are competing in the World Cup: Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
There are significant diasporas of Haitians and Iranians in the United States, but communities of Senegalese and Ivorian origin are relatively small.
"The way I got my ticket was this: a friend of mine (in Senegal) got a ticket through the FIFA lottery, but he couldn't come because he didn't get a visa. That's how bad the situation is," said Mahmoud Toure, who moved to the United States from Senegal 25 years ago. "You'll hear us everywhere."
The match had added significance for Senegal, who controversially lost the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year when the trophy was awarded to Morocco.
"The players deserve to have their fans there to support them," said Ranmalee Dias, who grew up in Japan, lives in Manhattan and started supporting Senegal eight years ago. "Fortunately, though, we have a little Senegal in New York."
Senegal's next game will be against Norway on Monday (22), at 9pm (Brasília time), again at MetLife Stadium.
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Source: CNN