World Cups, Olympics, and Trump's Travel Bans: A Shadow Cast Over Sports
Controversial Travel Restriction by Trump Affects Athletes, Provoking Widespread Concern
Get ready to cheer from your couch if you're from one of the 12 countries on Trump's travel ban list. The party mood at major sporting events in the US might be dampened by the new travel restrictions.
Back in 2006, the world danced in Germany during the World Cup. In 2010, we grooved to Shakira's beats in South Africa. One of the coolest things about the World Cup is the international camaraderie fans love to share. However, Donald Trump's politics might spoil this vibe.
Trump's imposed travel bans on citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are causing quite a stir in the sports world. According to a White House publication, these bans are intended to protect US citizens from "foreign terrorists." The bans will go into effect on June 9, affecting citizens of the listed countries.
With the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the US by mid-June, the Olympics in Los Angeles in the summer of 2028, and the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, travel bans could make things tricky for these events.
Athletes Get a Break, Fans May Not
At the Club World Cup, there won't be any teams from the affected countries, but players from Sudan, Venezuela, and Iran are part of the squads of the 32 teams. For the 2026 World Cup, at least one nation will be represented, with Iran already securing a spot. Athletes from all the banned countries are expected to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics. This summer, Haiti, one of the affected countries, will join the Concacaf Gold Cup in the US.
The travel ban contains an exception that seems to solve all the issues for the sporting events at first glance. Section 4 of the order states that "all athletes, members of a sports team, including coaches, necessary support staff, and immediate family members traveling to the World Cup, the Olympics, or any other major sporting event designated by the Secretary of State," are exempt from the ban.
However, it might not be that simple for fans from the affected countries, particularly Iran. Iran's supporters could find it difficult to enter the US under the conditions due to take effect on June 9. The news portal "Shia-News" in Iran called Trump's order "simply crazy." FIFA President Gianni Infantino should intervene quickly to prevent a sporting fiasco, as the World Cup is a global event, not a battleground for politics.
- Politics The Sports World Holds its Breath
- Football Challenges Ahead for the FIFA Club World Cup, World Cup 2026, and the Olympics
[1] The New York Times, Trump's Travel Ban Could Affect Confederations Cup Teams, 2020.[5] U.S. Department of State, Travel.gov, 2021.
- The Sports World Holds its Breath: The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as the political landscape surrounding Trump's travel bans is causing tension in the sports world.
- Football Challenges Ahead for the FIFA Club World Cup, World Cup 2026, and the Olympics: While athletes are expected to participate in upcoming major sporting events in the US, fans from the countries affected by Trump's travel bans may face difficulties entering the country, potentially casting a shadow over these events.
