Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has aimed a dig at US president Donald Trump’s immigration policy after fans have struggled to make it to the World Cup.

Supporters from all over the world will be eager to follow the World Cup 2026 live, but Trump has previously signed executive orders imposing travel bans on certain countries, including partial bans on a number of African nations.

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Although some fans, many of whom are of Senegalese origin but based in the US, were able to watch yesterday’s game against France, it’s clear that large numbers have been prevented from coming to watch their team play.

Koulibaly was not happy about this, and brought it up with the Athletic after yesterday’s game, though he was also keen to insist he was not trying to get overly political about the issue.

Kalidou Koulibaly on Senegal fans

“The federation did the work for us to have parents or our close family with us,” the former Chelsea defender told the Athletic. “But it’s true that some supporters couldn’t fly to America.

“I think that every team can have their people, so I don’t understand why people from Africa cannot have their people.

“I don’t want to speak about politics or something like this. I just want to speak about football, enjoy football, and I think football is for everybody.

“I just want to tell this and I hope that the situation will be OK, but for me the most important is that we have to play for our people.”

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Most fans will surely agree that a major sporting event like a World Cup, with teams from all over the world taking part, should mean a more open policy when it comes to allowing in visitors from abroad.

The White House have previously put out a statement explaining their decision to impose travel bans on certain countries, citing high crime records.

The post “I don’t understand…” – Kalidou Koulibaly takes aim at Donald Trump after issue in France-Senegal game appeared first on CaughtOffside.

There has been no shortage of uproar over the past few months over the protocols in the United States pertaining to the World Cup, starting with their immigration policies. US President Donald Trump has been defiant that he will not alter policy for the tournament, but FIFA are set to do so for him.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the USA’s right to refuse entry to thousands of fans, members of Iranian team staff, and Somali referee Omar Artan, saying that they cannot dictate to the USA. This is despite the fact that he had previously guaranteed freedom of movement to the participants in the tournament.

Donald Trump could be part of World Cup trophy lift

The United States’ unique approach to hosting this tournament could continue to the very end of it too. Talksport report that FIFA will not stand in the way of President Trump being part of the World Cup trophy lift following the final. Back in 2022, there was uproar at the Emir of Qatar placing a traditional bisht on Argentina captain Lionel Messi before he lifted the trophy, which was then immortalised in photos of Messi hoisting the trophy.

FIFA protocol states that only the team will be part of the team trophy lift after being presenting with the Jules Rimet, but they will not stand in Trump’s way if he desires to hand the trophy to the winning captain, and remain there for the initial celebrations.

Trump pulled off similar stunt with Chelsea

Trump has already been the protagonist of similar scenes last year, drawing confused looks from Cole Palmer during Chelsea’s celebrations after the Blues came out victorious in the Club World Cup last summer. In that instance, Trump remained in the group of Chelsea players after handing the trophy to Reece James as he then lifted it with his teammates.

The post Donald Trump to be part of World Cup trophy lift with winning team appeared first on CaughtOffside.