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Former president’s continued visa bans and travel curbs spark backlash from international football bodies and foreign governments as North America prepares to host the global tournament
As preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by upholding a series of entry restrictions that could impact athletes, officials, and fans from several countries.
Despite no longer holding office, Trump’s influence over Republican-led states and his vocal support for restrictive immigration policies have led to renewed enforcement of travel bans originally introduced during his presidency. These measures, which include visa denials and heightened scrutiny for citizens from select Muslim-majority and African nations, have drawn criticism from international sporting bodies and human rights organisations.
The restrictions pose logistical and diplomatic challenges for the World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of visitors and participants from around the globe. FIFA officials have expressed concern that the bans could undermine the tournament’s inclusive spirit and complicate coordination with host cities across the U.S.
Several national football federations have already flagged potential issues. The Nigerian Football Federation, for instance, warned that visa delays could affect its team’s training schedule and fan travel plans. Meanwhile, advocacy groups argue that the bans violate the principles of international sporting cooperation and risk politicising the event.
Trump, speaking at a recent rally in Arizona, defended the restrictions as necessary for national security, stating, “We’re not going to let the World Cup become a backdoor for people who hate our country.” His remarks have been met with pushback from civil society groups and former diplomats, who argue that such rhetoric damages America’s global image and risks alienating key allies.
The Biden administration has yet to issue a formal response to Trump’s comments, though officials have privately indicated that visa facilitation for World Cup participants remains a priority. However, with Trump’s continued influence over immigration discourse and the possibility of his re-election bid, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s accessibility and diplomatic tone.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the intersection of sport and politics is once again in the spotlight—raising questions about whether the world’s biggest football event can transcend borders in an era of rising nationalism.
