Supporting your national team at a global event like the FIFA World Cup is a dream many football fans cherish. Unfortunately, financial and logistical barriers can make this dream impossible to realize. From personal experience, traveling to international tournaments involves not only the cost of match tickets but also airfare, visas, and accommodation — expenses that accumulate quickly. For many Ivorian fans, these costs become prohibitive, forcing them to watch from afar. In addition to the high prices for tickets and lodging highlighted at the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, there are added challenges such as visa requirements and travel complexities that discourage attendance. These hurdles contribute to the absence of the “12th man” — the loyal supporters whose energy fuels the team’s morale on the field. From conversations with fellow football enthusiasts, it’s clear that the passion remains strong despite these disappointments. Many choose to organize local watch parties or community events to celebrate together, keeping the spirit alive and connected even if they cannot be physically present. The irony is bittersweet: the stadium vibrates with support locally, yet the stadium seats in the host country remain largely without Ivorian fans. For older supporters, like the 72-year-old Trabiyou, who has followed every national selection since 1982, the inability to attend the World Cup is heartbreaking. However, this shared sacrifice underscores the deep passion and resilience of Ivory Coast’s football community. Awareness of these challenges can inspire discussions on how federations, sponsors, and stakeholders might work together to make attending such global events more accessible. Whether through subsidized travel programs or community support initiatives, the goal would be to ensure that financial constraints don’t dampen the enthusiasm of loyal fans eager to support their Elephants on the world stage.