With the United States set to host two of the world’s most prominent sporting events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—uncertainty is mounting over the impact of a sweeping new travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump.
President Trump, now in his second term, has frequently expressed excitement about these events, describing them as among the highlights of his presidency. However, his administration’s decision to expand travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries, with tighter rules on seven more, has raised concerns regarding the inclusivity and international cooperation required to successfully stage these tournaments.
“It was very clear in the directive that the Olympics require special consideration and I actually want to thank the federal government for recognizing that,”
said Casey Wasserman, chair and president of the LA28 Olympic organising committee.
He added:
“It’s very clear that the federal government understands that that’s an environment that they will be accommodating and provide for. We have great confidence that that will only continue. It has been the case to date and it will certainly be the case going forward through the games.”
What Does the Travel Ban Entail for 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The policy, which took effect at midnight, now bars entry into the United States for citizens of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face increased scrutiny under tightened visa procedures.
President Trump has justified the measure by stating that these nations have
“deficient” screening and vetting processes or have historically refused to take back their own citizens.
The implications of such a ban, especially in the context of events which by design welcome global participation, are being closely examined by sporting bodies and international partners.
Effect on 2026 FIFA World Cup Teams and Athletes
Of the nations directly affected by the new policy, Iran is the only one that has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Other nations such as Cuba, Haiti, and Sudan remain in contention. Burundi, Libya, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea, though less likely to qualify, are still technically in the running.
According to the Trump administration, exceptions exist for athletes and support staff. Specifically, the policy outlines exemptions 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.”
This provision offers a measure of assurance to teams and organising committees. It also aligns with precedent: nations hosting major international competitions have typically facilitated streamlined entry for athletes and their entourages.
About 200 nations are expected to participate in the Summer Olympics, and it is anticipated that the same exemptions would be applied to all delegations involved in those games, assuming the current policy remains unchanged.
IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nicole Hoevertsz shared her optimism:
“We are very confident that this is going to be accomplished. I’m sure this is going to be executed well.”
Are 2026 FIFA World Cup Fans Included in the Exemptions?
Where concern intensifies is in regard to fans from the affected countries. Unlike athletes, there are no official exemptions for spectators wishing to attend either the World Cup or the Olympic Games. This raises significant barriers for supporters based in these countries who might have intended to travel.
Even prior to the current restrictions, Iranian fans, for instance, encountered obstacles in securing visas for past World Cups. The new ban further complicates such prospects, despite the growing global interest in travelling to international sporting events.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand the demographic breakdown of spectators. Travelling fans attending the World Cup are often members of the diaspora or hold alternative passports. These individuals generally fall within a higher economic bracket, making them less likely to be perceived as a security risk by host nations. Olympics attendees are generally viewed as even more upscale tourists, a factor that may help mitigate political tension surrounding their entry.
Collaboration Between Organisers and U.S. Government
Coordination between the U.S. government and international sporting bodies has intensified in response to the changing visa environment. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has cultivated a notably close relationship with President Trump since 2018, has sought to ensure the seamless execution of the 2026 tournament, which is expected to account for the majority of FIFA’s $13 billion revenue over the 2023–2026 cycle.
At a White House task force meeting held on May 6—where Infantino was seated alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem—discussions focused on infrastructure and entry procedures. Also present was Carlos Cordeiro, a key Infantino ally and former U.S. Soccer Federation president.
This collaboration is seen as a blueprint not only for FIFA’s logistical demands but also as a strategic input for the LA28 Olympic planning.
“That is something that we will be definitely looking at and making sure that it is guaranteed as well,”
said Hoevertsz.
Wasserman also previously disclosed that two private meetings had taken place between him and Trump, where logistical readiness and fast-tracked visa processing for athletes and their teams were discussed.
“The State Department has a fully staffed desk”
for short-notice visa processing, he explained, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensure operational readiness for LA28.
How Other Nations Have Handled Entry for Sporting Events
Past hosts of global tournaments have taken a more flexible approach to managing the entry of fans and delegations. Russia, during its 2018 World Cup, allowed ticket holders to use their match pass as a de facto visa. Qatar implemented a similar strategy for its 2022 tournament, although both nations conducted rigorous background checks on all visitors.
There are, however, cases where even high-level officials have been barred. For the 2012 London Olympics, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko—despite also heading the country’s Olympic committee—was denied a visa by the United Kingdom. The International Olympic Committee later suspended him from attending the 2021 Tokyo Games.
This highlights the discretionary powers that host nations retain, even amid international commitments to openness and inclusion.
FIFA’s Position Still Unclear
At the time of publication, FIFA has not released an official statement on the implications of the expanded travel ban. Queries submitted to its media office remain unanswered, adding another layer of ambiguity.
With the Club World Cup due to begin in Miami shortly, issues related to travel and security will remain central to both FIFA and Olympic organisers. Their ability to respond to evolving U.S. immigration policies will shape not only the success of upcoming events but also their reputations as inclusive, global gatherings.
The world will be watching closely how the U.S. balances its domestic security poli
