Donald Trump Bans 12 Countries from Entering US Ahead of 2026 World Cup

• Donald Trump has imposed travel restrictions on 12 countries, casting uncertainty over preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup
• In a move tied to the American president's ongoing immigration crackdown, another seven countries are now subject to partial restrictions
• Athletes and team officials will be allowed to enter the US, but it remains unclear whether their families and fans will be granted access

US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping new directive banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the country.

The move comes as part of his renewed immigration crackdown since returning to the White House in January this year.

The controversial American President signed the proclamation on June 4, further tightening US border and entry policies.

Per MSN, the decision could have implications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Countries affected by Trump’s US travel ban

Trump imposed the travel ban on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The directive read in part:

"After reviewing the report described in subsection (d), and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 12 countries... These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants."

Meanwhile, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela have been placed under partial travel restrictions.

"We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen. That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries," said Trump.

"I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people. I remain committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public-safety risks."

US travel ban could affect World Cup

The United States is scheduled to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

The new executive order includes a clause permitting athletes, coaches, essential support staff, and their immediate family members to travel for major sporting events, such as the World Cup or Olympics, as outlined in Section 4.

However, the directive does not clarify whether fans or extended family members from affected countries will be allowed entry to support their national teams.

World Cup hopefuls on US restriction list

Among the countries affected by Trump’s travel ban, Iran has already secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Per ESPN, Mehdi Taremi netted twice in a crucial draw against Uzbekistan in March, sealing a fourth straight appearance at the Mundial.

In addition to co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada, the other qualified countries so far include Iran, Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan and Yemen both advanced to the Asian Football Confederation's third qualifying round, but remain low in the standings.

Myanmar is in a similar position but are near the top of their AFC qualification group.

Haiti, competing in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualifiers, could also still qualify.

Among the African teams, Equatorial Guinea and Libya remain in contention but would need to advance through the CAF playoff route.

Sudan is also eyeing a historic first qualification, battling it out in Group B of the qualifiers alongside heavyweights DR Congo and Senegal.

Somalia, Republic of the Congo, and Chad have already been eliminated, while Eritrea withdrew before the qualification process began.

In addition to co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada, the other qualified countries so far include Iran, Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina.

FIFA threatens to ban African country

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that FIFA has warned an African nation that it could face suspension from international football and the 2026 World Cup due to government interference.

The football governing body issued an official letter, emphasising the need for the country’s football association to operate independently, after its president was elected for a third term.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh