President Donald Trump’s recent travel restrictions might prevent spectators from 19 listed countries from watching their athletes participate in major global sports events over the coming years, though the competitions themselves will remain unaffected.
The president's announcement doesn’t seem to significantly affect plans for the World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, or other key international sports events set during his next term. Athletes, trainers, support personnel, and close relatives can continue to travel into the country without issues.
However, supporters from those countries now have an even steeper challenge when trying to watch the matches live, even though officials from the Trump administration invited people around the globe to attend these international competitions in the United States.
The travel ban imposed by Trump completely prohibits entry from countries such as Afghanistan; Myanmar (also referred to as Burma); Chad; the Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Libya; Somalia; Sudan; and Yemen. For several nations including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, however, only limited restrictions apply.
Nevertheless, the decree includes exemptions for athletes, trainers, key staff members, and direct relatives accompanying them when they travel to the U.S. for events such as the World Cup, Olympics, and "any other significant sports competition designated by the Secretary of State."
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The declaration further asserts that individuals with current visas to enter the United States will retain them and won’t have their visas canceled due to the travel restrictions.
This indicates that the Iranian national team—which has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup—will participate in the event. Similarly, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Libya, Burundi, Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti could join if their respective teams manage to qualify.
These countries continue their battle for a spot in the World Cup as the lineup for the event becomes more defined.
The Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Chad, Togo, and Somalia seem unlikely candidates for qualifying for the World Cup. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Laos, Myanmar, Yemen, and Turkmenistan have already been knocked out.
Although the participating teams, along with their personnel and close relatives, could make the trip to the US for the championship, the travel restrictions would probably prevent the majority of their supporters from entering the country to watch any matches.
Given that the tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, supporters from these countries might still have the opportunity to attend matches held in Mexico or Canada and support their respective national teams.
As the qualifying process continues, it may be some time before fans can determine if their expectations will come true — the qualifiers aren’t set to conclude until later this year, and the team draw for the group stage isn’t scheduled until after that.
The US visa process for fans of the affected nations is already arduous, and even without a ban in place, approvals would take time.
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Concerns have arisen regarding the potential delays in obtaining visas for fans wishing to attend the World Cup in the United States. Currently, forty-two nations participate in the U.S. visa waiver program, allowing their residents to remain in the country for up to 90 days without needing an official visa.
Several nations closely linked to the men's World Cup, including reigning champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and even joint hosts Mexico, do not participate in that initiative.
Although the Trump administration pledged to expedite visa processing for supporters aiming to root for their teams, the extended scrutiny period for countries outside the visa waiver program could still have deterred attendees from the 19 nations impacted by the directive from traveling to the United States.
When questioned directly regarding exemptions for travelers from Iran and other impacted countries during the World Cup, State Department principal deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott avoided giving a clear answer.
"Both visitors from abroad and Americans alike would hope that we can be confident that anyone entering the United States undergoes proper screening," Pigott said to reporters on Thursday.
I believe this issue aligns precisely with that concern. This is integral to organizing such a significant event, ensuring that we maintain unwavering trust. We continue to stay in touch with various nations regarding methods to ensure the screening processes meet our requirements, fostering cooperation, and guaranteeing these security issues are properly handled.
Regarding CNN Sports' inquiry about whether supporters might be unable to attend events like the World Cup or Olympics in the United States, a representative from the State Department stated, "We are following the President's instruction to safeguard our nation's borders and ensure the safety of American communities and citizens. We will refrain from speculating or discussing particular instances related to the implementation of the Proclamation."
Athletes currently residing in the United States, like numerous Venezuelans and Cubans playing in Major League Baseball, are excluded from the travel restrictions.
When questioned regarding these athletes, the White House referred to the part of the proclamation which reads, "No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued prior to the relevant effective date of this proclamation will be rescinded under this proclamation."
Numerous international sportsmen and women competing in the U.S. often utilize the P-1A visa, which remains effective for half a decade.
Some aspects of the travel ban remain unclear regarding its impact on international sports events hosted in the United States. Although specific mention is made of major competitions such as the World Cup and Olympics in the official statement, lesser-known tournaments like soccer’s Gold Cup or athletics events are not explicitly addressed.
CNN has contacted the State Department seeking further details on how the Secretary of State will define a significant sports competition and what schedule they plan to follow in making this determination.
The Trump administration has expressed its desire for international travelers to visit the U.S. during both the World Cup and the Olympics; however, issues related to immigration continue to be a major concern.
Last month, Vice President JD Vance stated at the inaugural meeting of the White House’s World Cup task force, "We expect guests from nearly 100 nations. We welcome their presence, hoping they will join us in celebration and watching the games. However, once the event concludes, these visitors must return home; otherwise, they'll need to speak with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem."
Noem’s division encompasses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which handles deportations from the United States.
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The organizers of LA 2028 stated during a press briefing on Thursday that they have confidence the travel restrictions will not impact theSummer Olympics. They also expressed gratitude towards the federal government for acknowledging the significance of theGames.
"It was explicitly stated in the directive that the Olympics necessitate special attention, and I genuinely wish to express my gratitude to the federal government for acknowledging this," said Casey Wasserman, Chairperson and President of LA28, as reported by the Associated Press.
It’s evident that the federal government recognizes this as an atmosphere they will support and accommodate," he stated. "We strongly believe this trend will persist. Up until now, this has been the scenario, and it assuredly will remain so throughout the games.
According to a statement from the US Travel Association, although only 0.5% of yearly international tourists would be impacted by this restriction, significant global events scheduled in the United States over the coming years present an excellent chance to welcome fresh travelers.
"The travel sector backs policies that ensure the United States remains both safe and inviting. Achieving this delicate equilibrium can be difficult at times, and we acknowledge the administration's endeavors," the organization stated to CNN Sports.
(CNN)
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