U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which are expected to draw millions of international visitors. However, uncertainty surrounds visa policies for foreign travelers.
Current Visa Policies
The latest travel ban imposed by Trump targets citizens of 12 countries, including:
- Iran
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Sudan
- Sierra Leone
- Burundi
- Equatorial Guinea
Exception for Athletes
Athletes or team members traveling to participate in major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics will be allowed entry without issue. However, it remains unclear whether fans from targeted countries will face similar difficulties when trying to attend these events.
Fan Concerns
Iranian-American football fan Shahin Nazari expressed concerns about the challenges faced by fans:
"I think it would be difficult. There are people who have been trying to get tickets for months."
The U.S. Department of State did not respond immediately when asked about the number of Iranian soccer fans who had applied for visas this year compared to last year.
FIFA’s Statement
In a statement issued after the new policy was announced, FIFA noted that all players, teams, staff, coaches, officials, and other personnel participating in competitions such as the men’s World Cup must meet certain requirements before entering U.S. territory. FIFA added that they are working closely with U.S. authorities on this matter.
Compliance Requirements
FIFA emphasized that all participants must comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules, and requirements prior to entering the United States. It is also worth noting that FIFA does not require teams competing at its tournaments— including those hosted by co-hosts Canada and Mexico—to obtain visas before arriving at their destinations.
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