This year, President Trump reintroduced a sweeping travel ban targeting several countries - and attention has once again centered on it as it has been revealed that two countries from the list have qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be held in the US.
In June, Trump announced that he was bringing back restrictions on travel to the US from many countries, primarily ones in Africa and the Middle East.
Full bans were put in place for 12 countries, with a further seven nations facing partial restrictions.
In a proclamation shared by the president at the time, he stated: "During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, which successfully prevented national security threats from reaching our borders and which the Supreme Court upheld.
"In Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.
"I also stated that the United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests.
"More importantly, the United States must identify such aliens before their admission or entry into the United States. The United States must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles, and do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security."
Which countries are affected by the travel ban?
The following countries have been issued a full travel ban:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Somalia
- Libya
- Haiti
- Chad
- Congo-Brazzaville
- Equatorial Guinea
- Myanmar (referred to as Burma in Trump's proclamation)
- Eritrea
- Sudan
- Yemen
The countries facing partial restrictions are:
- Venezuela
- Cuba
- Burundi
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
How does this affect the 2026 Fifa World Cup?
The expanded 48-team competition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off next summer.
With qualifying nearly wrapped, 42 nations have already been awarded a place, including debut appearances from Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
However, questions have been raised after two countries from the list have made it through.
Iran, who topped their Asian qualifying group with 23 points, have made it to their seventh World Cup, while Haiti joined them this week after a decisive 2–0 win over Nicaragua, securing only their second-ever appearance at the tournament.
Reports suggest U.S. authorities have already blocked the Iranian delegation from entering the country for December’s World Cup draw.
Will the Travel Ban Actually Impact the Tournament?
On paper, Trump’s restrictions bar most nationals from banned countries from entering the U.S. as immigrants or tourists. That includes thousands of fans who would otherwise be traveling to support their teams.
However, athletes competing in major international sporting events are exempt – meaning players, coaches, and essential staff from the affected nations will be allowed in. Immediate family members are reportedly also covered.
The real uncertainty lies with supporters as FIFA expects to make more than six million tickets available, according to The Guardian, but fans from banned nations will need to navigate a more complicated visa process than most.
U.S. Announces Special Visa System for Ticket Holders
To handle the massive influx of applications, U.S. embassies will use a newly created FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). Fans with verified tickets will be bumped to the front of the line for visa interviews, though approval still isn’t guaranteed.
“America welcomes the world,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, calling PASS “a very concrete example” of efforts to make 2026 the most inclusive World Cup ever.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that PASS “guarantees you an expedited appointment” but stressed that all applicants face the same vetting process, BBC News reports.
Meanwhile, Trump has continued warning host cities that they could lose their matches if they don’t crack down on crime – most recently aiming threats at Seattle after similar remarks about Boston.
With the World Cup draw set for December 5 and the tournament just months away, FIFA, U.S. officials, and competing nations are working through the diplomatic complications.