Potential Consequences of Trump's Border Policies on the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics
Revised Article:
Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly the travel bans on citizens of 12 countries, have stirred up apprehension for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite Trump's enthusiasm for these sporting events, their future involvement could hit a snag, given the unpredictability of U.S. travel rules.
In the limelight, the latest travel ban affects nations such as Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with additional scrutiny for citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
For professional footballers from Iran, qualified for the World Cup, and potential qualifiers from Cuba, Haiti, and Sudan, travel restrictions could potentially deny them a spot at the competition. Stricter vetting for travelers may cause difficulties for fans, too, as reports suggest Iranian soccer enthusiasts have faced obstacles applying for U.S. visas.
Despite these challenges, Trump has shown excitement over the two events and is rumored to have a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has been accused of being overly friendly with Trump since 2018. Infantino defends the closeness, citing the need to secure FIFA's operations and massive revenues (projected to reach $13 billion between 2023-26) as the main reason for the relationship. 2028 Olympics organizers will be watching closely as they decide the best approach.
LA28 chairman and president Casey Wasserman has already held at least two meetings with Trump and recently commended the U.S. government after the travel bans were made public. "The federal government made it clear that the Olympics require special consideration," he said, adding, "I want to thank the federal government for this clear recognition." Wasserman expressed confidence that the special treatment from the government would continue.
These travel bans, initially implemented by Trump, primarily targeted individuals from specific countries during his presidency (January 2017 – January 2021) and were part of a series of executive orders restricting travel to the U.S. However, the bans largely lost traction upon Joe Biden’s presidency, meaning participants and spectators from various countries should face fewer complications in traveling for the World Cup or Olympics.
- The travel restrictions, initially targeted at citizens from 12 countries during President Trump's tenure, could potentially affect professional footballers from Iran, who are qualified for the World Cup, and potential qualifiers from Cuba, Haiti, and Sudan.
- Stricter travel rules may also create difficulties for fans, especially those from Iran, as reports indicate Iranian soccer enthusiasts have faced obstacles applying for U.S. visas.
- Despite the challenges, the future of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be influenced by general news and politics, given President Trump's enthusiasm for these events and his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- As the 2028 Olympics organizers decide their best approach, they might take cues from eco-traveling and advocacy initiatives, considering the growing importance of sustainability in sports events and European leagues, such as the Champions League.
