German Football Federation (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf has voiced concern over reports that fans from Ivory Coast may be denied entry to the United States for the upcoming World Cup. Speaking during a visit to the German House of Soccer in New York, Neuendorf described the possibility of mass visa rejections as "fundamentally problematic" and "incomprehensible," though he emphasized that his comments were based solely on media reports and remained hypothetical.

The issue gained attention amid reports that Ivory Coast supporters have canceled travel plans to the US due to widespread visa refusals. Alongside Ivory Coast, three other countries participating in the tournament—Iran, Senegal, and Haiti—face heightened visa restrictions under policies associated with US President Donald Trump’s administration.

These travel limitations have sparked significant discussion throughout the World Cup, with one of the most prominent cases involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry over alleged terrorist connections. Neuendorf acknowledged the complexities these political challenges present but indicated that the DFB is managing such issues through confidential channels rather than public commentary.

“We can assume these matters are being handled,” Neuendorf stated, underscoring the preference for discreet communication. He suggested that behind-the-scenes dialogue is more productive than engaging openly on such sensitive topics.

Germany is set to open the World Cup against Curaçao before facing Ivory Coast on June 20. The situation surrounding fan access reflects broader geopolitical tensions intersecting with international sporting events, raising questions about the impact of travel policies on global competitions.