Just days before their debut at the 2026 World Cup, the Ivory Coast faces an unprecedented situation.

The Elephants will have to compete without the backing of their supporters, who have fallen victim to entry restrictions imposed by US authorities.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t even kicked off, and Ivory Coast is already reeling from a huge disappointment.

According to L’Équipe, the Elephants are set to play the entire group stage without the support of fans traveling from home, due to entry restrictions enforced by American authorities.

“The United States made it clear to us that they did not want to see our supporters,” lamented president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), Julien Kouadio Adonis.

The frustration is even greater as the supporters see this absence as a real heartbreak.