Trump's Travel Bans Screwing Up the Global Sports Scene
Trump's travel restriction casting a grim prospect on sports
Let's get real, in '06 the world had one hell of a time in Germany, and in '10 we grooved to the beats of Shakira in South Africa. One of the coolest things about the World Cup is the wild parties fans throw together from around the globe. But Trump's travel bans might be putting a damper on those good times.
So, what's going on you ask? Well, ol' Donnie signed some travel bans saying they're protecting us from "foreign terrorists." This affects twelve countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
With this ban, it could affect upcoming major sports events in the US. In mid-June, the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup will take place here. In 2026, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup. Before Trump's term ends in 2028, the Olympic Games will happen in LA.
Which Countries Get the Ban? Which Don't?
No teams from the affected countries will join the Club World Cup, but players from Sudan, Venezuela, and Iran are part of the squads for the 32 participating teams. At least one nation from the banned countries will play in the 2026 World Cup, with Iran already qualified. Athletes from the banned countries are expected to join the LA Olympics team too. The Concacaf Gold Cup, a North and Central American football competition, will be held in the US this summer, with Haiti participating.
The Exception that Proves the Rule?
Section 4 of the order seems to address all problems for the sporting events initially. It mentions that "all athletes or members of a sports team, including coaches, support staff, and family, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or another major sporting event designated by the Secretary of State" are not subject to the ban. But to allow Haiti's participation in the Gold Cup, it needs to be designated as one of these major sporting events by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Iran's Already Pissed
While Iran's participation in the World Cup could still be possible, it'd be tough for Iran supporters to make it into the US under the conditions that kick in on June 9. "Shia-News," an Iranian news portal, quickly called Trump's order "simply insane." FIFA President Gianni Infantino needs to act fast to prevent a global sports disaster. The World Cup isn't a place for political squabbles.
FIFA's Not Talking... Yet
FIFA couldn't comment on the latest White House developments to ntv.de on Thursday. They're waiting for a meeting scheduled for May to provide their comments on a possible ban on fans from Iran and other countries entering the US.
What'd Vance Say?
US Vice President JD Vance said last month that foreign visitors to the 2026 World Cup would be welcome but should leave after the tournament. Otherwise, they'd have to deal with Noem, the tough-talking Homeland Security Minister.
Infantino's Confident
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his confidence in the Trump Administration. "The whole world will be focusing on the US, and the US will welcome the world," Infantino said at the May meeting. "Anyone who wants to come here, party, watch football, and enjoy themselves will be able to do so." Infantino also mentioned that upcoming FIFA tournaments would bring the US around 50 billion euros in economic activity and create nearly 300,000 jobs.
- Football
- Donald Trump
- Gianni Infantino
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
Sources: ntv.de, sue
Throw a few globe-trotting fans and athletes into the mix, and Trump's travel bans are threatening to mess with some major sports events in the US. While athletes can still participate in World Cups and Olympics, the fate of fans remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates from FIFA and the Trump Administration.
- The European Union, committed to a common policy on the environment, expressed concern over Donald Trump's travel bans, which could affect football fans and athletes from the affected countries in attending major sports events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, remains confident that the Trump Administration will welcome the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that anyone who wants to attend the tournament, watch football, and enjoy themselves will be able to do so.
- With the potential economic impact of upcoming FIFA tournaments estimated to be around 50 billion euros and creating nearly 300,000 jobs, there is a pressure on the Trump Administration to ensure that the travel bans do not interfere with the global sports scene, particularly the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
