Trump Banned 2 Qualified Nations From Entering US Ahead of 2026 World Cup
- Donald Trump has previously imposed travel bans on two nations that have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Although the tournament will be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, Trump’s policies have created a major dilemma ahead of the event
- His administration barred citizens of 12 countries and placed seven more under partial restrictions as part of his immigration crackdown
Among the 42 nations that have already secured qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup, supporters from two countries now find themselves facing an uneasy situation ahead of the tournament.
The competition, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the first time three nations jointly stage the global event.
Source: Getty Images
The 2026 edition is already beginning to reflect a familiar mix of football and politics as global attention shifts to North America.
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency earlier this year has brought swift sanctions and repercussions for certain countries, highlighting his firm stance on immigration and sparking concern among fans affected by the developments.
The countries Donald Trump has banned
Back in June last year, the BBC reported that Trump had issued full travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and imposed partial restrictions on seven others.
The list of fully banned nations includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
With Haiti and Iran both securing qualification for the World Cup, uncertainty now surrounds whether their supporters will be allowed to enter the United States.
Haiti has battled severe gang violence at home but still managed to overcome Nicaragua to book their place at the tournament.
Iran was one of the earliest qualifiers after their draw with Uzbekistan in March last year sealed a fourth straight World Cup appearance, according to ESPN.
While fans may face restrictions, Haitian and Iranian players are exempt, as Trump’s executive order grants athletes entry for the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
When FIFA boss mentioned importance of fans
The directive permits athletes, team officials, coaches and essential support staff to enter the country for major sporting events approved by the Secretary of State.
However, it does not extend to family members or supporters of the qualified teams.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has long stressed that fans must remain at the heart of the game.
As cited by The Athletic, he said in 2017:
“As far as FIFA competitions are concerned, any team, along with its supporters and officials, must be granted access to the host nation if they qualify for a World Cup; otherwise, there is no World Cup.”
Donald Trump's threats over 2026 World Cup
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the 2026 FIFA World Cup had faced uncertainty after Donald Trump issued two major threats months before kick-off.
Last month, the American president asserted that he had the authority to 'take away' tournament matches from Boston if he deemed the city unsafe.
Standing beside FIFA boss Infantino, he issued a similar warning to Seattle that unless the city’s crime rate improves, he would strip it of its hosting rights.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
