The Colorful World Cup and Olympics Shadows Loom Over Trump's Travel Bans
Travel restrictions imposed by Trump leave an ominous cloud hanging over the world of sports
Did you groove to Shakira in South Africa back in 2010? Or maybe you were a part of the festive crowd in Germany in 2006? The magic of the World Cup lies in the global celebration it invites. Yet, Donald Trump's political antics threaten to dampen this spirit.
Stirring controversy, Trump's travel bans, effective June 9, affect nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. This could impact upcoming major sports events in the U.S., including the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2026 World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
On a brighter note, players from Sudan, Venezuela, and Iran are part of the squads at the Club World Cup. At the 2026 World Cup, Iran has already qualified for the tournament, and athletes from all affected countries are expected to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics.
However, the travel bans come with an exception that might seem like a silver lining. Athletes, support staff, trainers, and their immediate families traveling for World Cups, Olympics, or other major sporting events, as designated by the Secretary of State, are exempt. But, for events like the Concacaf Gold Cup, being played in the U.S. this summer, gaining this designation is crucial.
Iran's Protests and FIFA's Response
While Iran's participation in the World Cup seems probable, fans from Iran might face difficulties entering the U.S., as Trump's policy does not appear to be fan-friendly. Iran's Shia-News swiftly branded the order as "crazy," urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene and avoid a potential fiasco. After all, the World Cup is a global sporting event, not a political battleground.
FIFA has yet to comment on the latest developments regarding the travel bans. Vice President JD Vance, on the other hand, had expressed his welcome for foreign visitors at the 2026 World Cup, but underscored that they must leave post-tournament or "talk to Noem." Kristi Noem, infamous for her hardline stance on immigration policies, serves as the Homeland Security Minister.
Despite the potential challenges, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his faith in the Trump administration. He emphasized that the U.S., as the host nation, embraces the world and welcomes everyone wanting to celebrate football. The World Cup is expected to generate around 50 billion euros in economic activity and create nearly 300,000 jobs, making it a significant event for the U.S.
The Commission, amidst the politics surrounding Donald Trump's travel bans, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, reflecting the need for a balanced approach in governing major sports events like the World Cup 2026, hosted by the U.S. Recently, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, expressed his confidence in the Trump administration, stressing the importance of maintaining the World Cup's essence as a global celebration of soccer and unity, rather than a political battleground.
