African teams are facing growing uncertainty as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, approaches. Although the tournament will feature Africa’s largest representation with nine teams, several geopolitical challenges are complicating preparations.
One major concern is the U.S. travel restrictions affecting some countries, including Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, whose fans could struggle to obtain visas to attend matches scheduled in the United States. While players will still participate in the tournament, many supporters may be unable to travel, raising concerns about limited fan presence for African teams.
The situation is further complicated by rising tensions in the Middle East, following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that began on February 28. The crisis has already disrupted sporting schedules, with Qatar postponing several international matches, including warm-up games involving African teams such as Egypt.
Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East are also affecting international travel routes commonly used by African teams between Europe and North America. Egypt’s situation appears particularly complex, as the team is drawn in the same group as Iran, a country currently involved in conflict with one of the tournament’s host nations.
The developments highlight broader concerns about Africa’s position in global football, despite the continent achieving record representation at the tournament. While African teams have long fought for greater participation — notably boycotting the 1966 World Cup qualifiers over limited slots — challenges linked to travel access and global tensions could once again affect the continent’s presence at football’s biggest stage.
Source: TRT Africa
