Trump Travel Ban Casts Shadow Over 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics
New Restrictions Raise Visa Concerns for Athletes and Fans
Upcoming major sporting events in the United States—the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—face potential disruption as a newly expanded travel ban restricts entry for citizens from a dozen nations, sparking anxieties about participation and attendance.
Policy Details and Affected Countries
Effective Monday, citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen will be prohibited from entering the US. Additional restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, facing increased scrutiny.
The administration of Donald Trump asserts that these countries have inadequate screening procedures or have historically declined to accept their own citizens who have been deported from the US.
Impact on World Cup Qualification
Iran, a strong Asian soccer team, has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Other nations potentially affected—Cuba, Haiti, and Sudan—remain in contention, with Sierra Leone also potentially qualifying through playoffs. However, a provision in the new policy aims to circumvent these issues for athletes.
The policy includes exceptions for any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.
Fan Travel and Economic Considerations
While athletes appear protected, the ban does not offer similar exemptions for fans from the targeted countries. Obtaining visas for Iranian soccer supporters has historically been problematic, and the new restrictions could exacerbate these difficulties. However, many World Cup fans traveling from these nations are often part of the diaspora, possessing alternative passport options and greater financial resources.
A 2023 report by the US Travel Association found that international visitors contribute over $285 billion annually to the US economy. Restricting travel from key regions could significantly impact revenue generated by these events.
Collaboration with FIFA and Olympic Committees
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, has cultivated a close relationship with Donald Trump since 2018, a connection that has drawn some criticism. Infantino has emphasized the need for smooth operations during the World Cup, which is projected to generate a substantial portion of FIFA’s expected $13 billion revenue between 2023 and 2026.
“It was very clear in the directive that the Olympics require special consideration and I actually want to thank the federal government for recognising that,”
—Casey Wasserman, LA28 chairman and president
Wasserman further stated that the federal government understands that that’s an environment that they will be accommodating and provide for.
Nicole Hoevertsz, chair of the Coordination Commission for LA28, expressed every confidence
that the US government will cooperate, citing its history of successful Olympic hosting.
Precedent and Host Nation Practices
Previous host nations have implemented varying visa policies. Russia, during the 2018 World Cup, allowed entry with a game ticket serving as a visa, while Qatar did the same in 2022. Both countries, however, conducted background checks on all visitors. Host nations also retain the right to deny entry to unwelcome individuals, as demonstrated by the denial of a visa to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the 2012 London Olympics.
Organizers are working to ensure that the spirit of international competition remains intact, despite the new travel restrictions, and are confident in the US government’s commitment to facilitating a successful and inclusive event.
