The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a controversial turn after the United States denied visas to hundreds of Ivory Coast supporters. The decision has forced many fans to abandon plans to travel for the tournament, raising questions about visa policies and their impact on global sporting events.

Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), confirmed the setback. He said the refusal had left fans disappointed and unable to fulfil their role of cheering the national team on the world stage.

“The supporters have cancelled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including the Ivory Coast, on its soil,” Kouadio explained. He described the situation as deeply painful, stressing that supporting the team is considered a “sacred duty” by many Ivorians.

The CNSE, operating under the Ministry of Sport, is responsible for organising travel for fans during international competitions. Earlier this year, Kouadio had expressed optimism that about 500 supporters would make the journey to North America. That hope has now been dashed, with only a handful of committee officials receiving clearance to travel.

Despite the restrictions, CNSE officials say they will focus on coordinating support from Ivorian fans already living in the United States. Kouadio noted that more than 1,000 diaspora supporters are expected to attend matches, ensuring the team will not be left without encouragement in the stands.

Ivory Coast will play two of their three group-stage matches in Philadelphia. They face Ecuador on June 15 and Curacao on June 25. Between those fixtures, the team will travel to Toronto for a clash against Germany. The absence of travelling supporters from Abidjan and other cities is expected to affect the atmosphere, but organisers hope diaspora fans will fill the gap.

The visa denials have not only affected Ivory Coast. Earlier this week, Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry, while members of Iran’s support staff also faced rejections. These developments have sparked wider concerns about how US immigration policies intersect with international sporting events.

For Ivory Coast, the setback underscores the challenges African nations face in mobilising supporters for global tournaments. While the team prepares for tough matches against Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao, the absence of their traditional fan base could be felt both on and off the pitch.

Kouadio insisted that the CNSE remains committed to ensuring visible support for the Elephants. “A handful of our officials will be present to look after Ivorian supporters based in the United States,” he said. The committee hopes to coordinate chants, banners, and cultural displays to maintain the team’s spirit during the competition.

The issue highlights the broader tension between global sports and national immigration policies. As the World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time, organisers face the challenge of balancing security concerns with the inclusive spirit of football.

For Ivorian fans, the disappointment is profound. Many had saved for months to make the trip, only to be stopped by visa restrictions. Yet, with diaspora supporters stepping in, the Elephants will still hear familiar voices as they chase success in the 2026 World Cup.

World champions Argentina have once again underlined their dominance by retaining the top spot in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday. The Albiceleste continue to lead global football after a string of convincing performances in recent international fixtures.

Spain remains in second place, holding firm after a draw and a win in their latest matches. France, however, slipped to third following a defeat before recovering with subsequent victories. England and Portugal complete the top five, while Brazil sit just outside in sixth position.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles held steady at 26th place in the global standings. Their recent performances have been mixed, reflecting both promise and inconsistency. At the Unity Cup in London, Nigeria impressed with victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica. Yet, momentum slowed when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland and later lost narrowly 2-1 to Portugal in a friendly.

Morocco continues to shine as Africa’s highest-ranked team, now placed seventh in the world. The Atlas Lions’ rise reflects their strong performances on the international stage and signals Africa’s growing competitiveness in global football.

The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany round out the top ten, each maintaining their positions among football’s elite.

This latest ranking arrives as the football world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. The expanded format promises to deliver the largest and most inclusive World Cup yet, offering nations like Nigeria and Morocco greater opportunities to showcase their talent on the global stage.

For Nigeria, holding 26th place underscores both stability and the need for improvement. The Super Eagles remain a force in African football, but consistency against top-tier opponents will be crucial as preparations intensify for the World Cup.

Morocco’s seventh-place ranking, meanwhile, highlights Africa’s growing presence in world football. Their success serves as inspiration for other African nations aiming to break into the top tier of global rankings.

As the countdown to 2026 continues, Argentina’s dominance, Spain’s resilience, France’s recovery, and Africa’s rise set the stage for a World Cup that promises drama, competition, and history-making moments.

List FIFA Rankings

Argentina
Spain
France
England
Portugal
Brazil
Morocco
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany

*Recover high-calibre arms cache, ammunition

The Department of State Services (DSS), backed by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday foiled plans by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack several security checkpoints, kidnap women, students and children across the Southeast states.

A security source disclosed that, acting on intelligence acquired by the DSS, two ESN field commanders coordinating the planned attacks were apprehended on Monday in Garki, Enugu State.

The source further revealed that, based on the leads supplied by the nabbed ESN commanders, DSS sought the backing of troops from 82 Division, and executed a covert operation. The operation led to the raids by DSS officers and soldiers on Tuesday and Wednesday on an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State.

The raids, disclosed the source, led to the recovery of a cache of high-calibre arms, namely a rocket launcher, two RPG (rocket propelled grenade) warheads, three RPG chargers, and 11 AK-47 rifles.

18 AK-47 magazines, 1,071 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton and two teargas canisters were recovered.

The raids also led to the recovery of one smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards. The source disclosed that intelligence revealed that the ESN members were to have used the NYSC uniforms as a cover to launch the attacks.

Intelligence gathered from the arrested ESN field commanders, , according to another source, revealed that members of the terrorist organization were to have launched massive attacks across the Southeast states, kidnap women, students and children, spread fear and create the impression that the region has been overtaken by insecurity.

The Enugu recoveries came barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers linked to the gunmen who abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.

The suspects, including two Nigeriens, were nabbed in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger and Kebbi states. Recovered from the men were 15 AK 103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.

The outlawed group has been responsible for series of kidnappings and attacks on security operatives in the Southeast, declared the source.

The raids on ESN armoury in Enugu State came shortly after a recent arrest by the DSS of several suspected members of the outlawed organization in the state.