President Donald Trump’s travel limitations could impact fans from 19 specific nations, preventing them from attending major global sporting events in the United States, such as the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. While athletes and essential staff are exempt, these restrictions will make it harder for fans to cheer for their teams live at the events. Here’s a closer look at the situation and its possible effects.
Impact on Fans Attending Major Sporting Events
The new travel restrictions affect countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia, with full bans from entering the U.S. Fans from these nations will face serious difficulties in attending international sporting events, despite athletes and their families being exempt from the ban. For example, the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, may see fans from these affected countries unable to travel to the U.S. to support their teams, even though these nations may still compete.
Travel Ban Details and Exemptions
The proclamation restricts travel from 19 nations, with full bans for countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Libya, and partial restrictions for countries like Venezuela and Cuba. However, athletes, coaches, staff, and immediate family members can still travel for events such as the World Cup and the Olympics. The travel restrictions primarily target fans from these nations who may struggle to get visas or gain entry into the U.S., despite efforts from the Trump administration to fast-track visa approvals.
Exceptions for Athletes and Support Staff
Athletes and their immediate family members from affected nations, including Iran and Venezuela, will be able to travel to the U.S. to participate in major events like the World Cup and the Olympics. This means that teams from these countries, such as the Iranian national football team, will be able to compete. However, the travel ban is still likely to prevent most of their fans from attending the games.
Concerns Over Visa Approvals for Fans
The U.S. visa process is already challenging, and with additional restrictions, it could take even longer for fans from affected nations to get approval. Countries not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, including many prominent World Cup nations like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, are already facing delays in visa approvals. The lengthy review process, especially for fans from the 19 affected nations, could prevent them from attending these major sporting events.
The Future of Travel for Global Events
While the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics are recognized as special cases, and the U.S. government is working to accommodate these events, there are still uncertainties regarding other sporting tournaments. Major events like the Gold Cup or track and field meets may not have the same level of exemption, and further clarifications are awaited on how the travel ban will affect such events.
While the travel ban will not prevent athletes from the affected nations from competing in the U.S., it significantly complicates the travel plans of their fans. The U.S. government has promised to expedite visa approvals for these fans, but the current system remains a challenge. As the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics approach, it is still unclear how the situation will unfold, and fans from restricted nations will have to wait for further developments.
