During the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in January, the Senegalese restaurant in Harlem turned into a sea of red, green and yellow. Dozens of shoppers wearing Lions jerseys, the national team’s nickname, and Senegalese flags, filled the venue, eyes fixed on the big screens showing the expected final match between Senegal and Morocco.
Striker Pape Gueye won the summit game winning goaland the restaurant roared like a stadium. Fans hit the streets to celebrate, turning Little Senegal, a West African immigrant community along West 116th Street, into a presence. Dakar.
In many African countries, large parties to watch football are a tradition, which got a new look when New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first officer of New York City to adopt the AFCON public vision.
That same American vision is now being witnessed on an even bigger stage, as Senegal prepares to compete in 2026 FIFA World Cup organized by Canada, Mexico and the United States, this summer. Many fans were hoping to replicate that feeling of excitement, bringing family from overseas to cheer on the Lions in North American stadiums. Senegal’s first match against France is scheduled for June at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Travel writing issued in December 2025 by the Trump administration has suspended the projects by suspending visas for many citizens of Senegal. The White House has reported high overstay rates and concerns about vetting and paperwork. Fans are effectively banned from attending US games, especially if they need to apply for new B-2 visitor visas. Critics say the policy discriminates against Muslim-majority African countries and is encouraging fans to boycott in response.
Uncertainty in Public Administration
Even American citizens face difficulties in bringing family members from Senegal. Spouses and children can no longer obtain immigrant visas on their own, and must now qualify for a variety of exceptions, according to the United States Department of State.
Mamadou’s gamelegal assistant and former president of the Senegalese Association in New York, has seen the effect firsthand. His office at the corner of 139th Street and Lenox Avenue is always crowded with visitors seeking advice. Drame often pours legal documents and immigration forms to guide Senegalese New Yorkers through restrictions that have affected how to connect with family overseas.
Even when people come with the right documents, there are still many doubts. Families do not know if their request will be accepted, or when it might happen. Drama said. It remains a bridge between the community and the complex US immigration system.
Drame said: “It’s frustrating. Families are trying to be together…
Baba Diop, is a Harlem resident, first generation Senegalese American who currently lives 15 minutes from MetLife Stadium. Diop said the impact felt very close to home because his relative who had planned to attend the meeting was unable to travel due to circumstances.
“The political situation and security concerns in general were at the back of his mind, and it’s unfortunate, because even though it’s a rare opportunity, it’s affected by security fears and the wider conflicts around the US,” said Diop.
Beyond living rooms, uncertainty has also spread to third public spaces. Elhadji Cissé, Senegalese-born chef and owner Ponty Bistro In Harlem, he said his restaurant has long served as more than a place to eat.
“On a typical week, the restaurant plays a bigger role than serving food,” said Cissé. “People come to share news from home, talk about jobs, and help with community hiring.”
In recent months, those discussions have turned to immigration and travel, he said, as families try to understand how new government policies may affect their ability to reunite.
“People are worried about visa delays and changing policies,” Cissé said. “Some are still discussing whether it is safe to go back and forth.”
Fifa’s Response to Boycott Calls
Responding to growing calls to a 2026 World Cup FinalFIFA announced on official press release the The introduction of the FIFA Pass, a program that provides guaranteed tickets for 2026 World Cup ticket holders ahead of visas. However, this program does not change who needs a visa, clearance process, or security screening. Holding a ticket does not guarantee entry into the US
For many Senegalese fans, the show offers little motivation, and the recent mass shooting in Austin, Texas is an American citizen born in Senegal, has created new concerns, especially with fears of immediate rejection of pending visa applications from Senegalese citizens due to perceived links to terrorism after the attack.
“This makes me sad for everyone involved,” said Marie Niang, a student from Senegal. “It doesn’t help our immigration case.”
Despite the ongoing tension, Senegalese New Yorkers say they will continue to gather for the games, whether at local viewing parties or in the comfort of their living room.
“In those 90 minutes, everyone feels united, not only in the restaurant, but also with family and friends watching in Dakar and across the diaspora,” said Cisse.
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