A significant travel ban enacted by President Trump has created uncertainty for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the U.S. is set to co-host the tournament with Mexico and Canada, a recent freeze on immigrant visas has targeted 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the competition.
The administration’s “public charge” rule aims to prevent new immigrants from entering if they are deemed likely to rely on government benefits. This policy follows a broader crackdown on immigration that has already sparked national protests and intense public debate.
To address growing concerns about the World Cup, the U.S. State Department clarified that the ban applies specifically to immigrant visas. Nonimmigrant visas—those used by athletes, media, and tourists—remain available. This means teams and fans should still be able to attend the matches.
Despite this clarification, complete travel bans remain for citizens of Haiti and Iran, with partial restrictions affecting Senegal and the Ivory Coast. These measures have caused considerable anxiety for international supporters planning to visit the U.S. this summer.
FIFA and regional football bodies have confirmed that the participation of affected teams is not currently at risk. While disciplinary committees are reviewing certain match controversies, the qualified nations remain on the schedule for the tournament’s 104 matches.