Trump Poised to Expand U.S. Travel Ban Ahead of 2026 World Cup, Threatening Access for Millions of Fans
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup rapidly approaching, the United States is preparing for what will be the largest sporting event in its history. But as preparations intensify, a major political development is now casting a shadow over the tournament. U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering adding 11 more countries to the existing American travel ban, a move that could directly affect global participation in the World Cup—particularly among international fans.
The tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will welcome 48 national teams and millions of visitors from across the globe. However, Trump’s renewed focus on immigration restrictions threatens to limit who can actually enter the U.S. to attend the historic event.
This potential expansion comes on top of the 19 countries already restricted earlier in 2025, significantly increasing concerns about the accessibility and global inclusivity of the tournament.
World Cup Draw Held in Washington as Celebrities Gather
Momentum toward the World Cup accelerated earlier this month with the official group-stage draw, held on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was attended by an array of celebrities, athletes, and public figures, highlighting the massive cultural significance of the tournament.
Among those present were Robbie Williams, Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, Nicole Scherzinger, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and the Village People. President Trump also attended the ceremony, where he received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
According to FIFA, Trump was recognized for his “tireless efforts to promote peace,” citing his administration’s involvement in facilitating a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and his broader role in attempting to resolve international conflicts.
While the moment was meant to symbolize unity through sport, the growing travel restrictions under Trump’s immigration policy have raised questions about how inclusive the tournament will actually be when it begins in 2026.
Trump’s First 2025 Travel Ban Affected 19 Countries
In June of 2025, Trump announced sweeping immigration restrictions that barred or heavily limited travel from 19 nations, justifying the move as necessary to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.”
Under the initial order, citizens from the following countries were either outright banned or subject to severe travel restrictions:
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Afghanistan
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Burma
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Burundi
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Chad
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Cuba
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Equatorial Guinea
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Eritrea
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Laos
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Libya
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Republic of the Congo
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Sierra Leone
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Somalia
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Sudan
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Togo
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Turkmenistan
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Venezuela
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Yemen
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Haiti
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Iran
The inclusion of Haiti and Iran immediately raised international concern, as both nations later qualified for the 2026 World Cup, placing their fans directly in the crosshairs of the restrictions.
Although limited exemptions exist for diplomats and certain emergency cases, the travel bans significantly limit the ability of ordinary citizens from those countries to enter the United States.
DHS Confirms Trump Is Considering Expanding the Ban
Now, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the current list is about to grow.
Speaking with Fox News on December 4, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Trump administration is actively reviewing additional countries for inclusion in the ban.
“I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30,” Noem said. “And the president is continuing to evaluate countries.”
She added that the administration’s decision-making centers around government stability, security infrastructure, and the ability of foreign governments to properly vet travelers.
“If they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” she said.
If the administration follows through, the expansion would raise the number of restricted nations from 19 to at least 30, marking one of the most aggressive travel bans in U.S. history.
Which Countries Could Be Added?
At this stage, the identities of the additional 11 countries have not been publicly disclosed. However, immigration analysts believe the administration is focusing on regions experiencing political instability, high migration flows, or weakened security infrastructure.
While some exemptions are expected for World Cup players, coaching staff, officials, and immediate family members, those carve-outs are unlikely to extend broadly to fans.
That distinction has sparked deep concern among soccer supporters worldwide, especially those hoping to attend matches hosted in U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta.
Haitian Fans Face Special Hardship
One of the most controversial aspects of the ban centers on Haiti, a nation already facing devastating political collapse, gang violence, and humanitarian disaster.
According to POLITICO, the U.S. State Department does not plan to grant exemptions to Haitian fans, even though Haiti’s national team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Due to worsening security conditions, Haiti’s team has already been forced to play home matches more than 500 miles away in Curaçao, highlighting the severity of the crisis back home. The idea that Haitian fans would also be barred from traveling to support their team in person has drawn intense criticism from human rights groups and international sports organizations.
Critics argue that the ban effectively punishes ordinary civilians for the failures of government and the rise of criminal organizations beyond their control.
Trump Freezes Immigration Applications From All 19 Banned Countries
The situation grew even more restrictive on December 2, when Trump announced that his administration is pausing all immigration applications from the original 19 banned countries.
That freeze applies not only to travel visas but also to family reunification cases, asylum claims, and long-term immigration pathways. Combined with the pending expansion of the ban, the decision signals a tightening immigration environment at precisely the moment the United States is preparing to host the largest sporting event on Earth.
World Cup Logistics Now Face Diplomatic and Legal Challenges
The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring in over 5 million international visitors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With dozens of matches scheduled in American host cities, restrictions on who can enter the country directly affect ticketing, tourism, local economies, and international relations.
Diplomatic experts warn that expanded bans could:
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Create tension with FIFA and national soccer federations
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Spark retaliation or visa restrictions against U.S. citizens abroad
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Trigger lawsuits challenging the bans on civil rights grounds
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Damage the global image of the United States as a World Cup host
FIFA has historically taken a neutral stance on immigration issues, but pressure is mounting for the organization to demand broader fan access protections from host nations.
Players Will Be Allowed — Fans May Not
Officials have confirmed that players, officials, and team staff will receive exemptions to ensure matches can be played without disruption. However, the lack of guaranteed fan exemptions has created fears of empty sections in stadiums for certain national teams.
Sports economists warn that preventing large fan bases from traveling could severely impact:
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Ticket sales
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Hospitality industries
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Broadcast engagement
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Cultural tourism revenues
Host cities have already invested billions in infrastructure upgrades, transportation projects, and stadium renovations in anticipation of the tournament. Any policy that limits attendance threatens to undercut those financial expectations.
Political Strategy or Security Policy?
Trump’s supporters argue that the ban reflects a necessary national security posture, especially as global conflicts escalate and mass migration continues.
Critics, however, contend that the policy is being used as a political messaging tool rather than a data-driven security measure. They note that several previously banned countries have no record of major terror attacks inside the U.S., while others with stronger ties to extremist networks remain unaffected.
The expansion ahead of the World Cup also places immigration policy at the very center of international sports diplomacy, a position rarely seen at this scale.
Mexico and Canada Could See Fan Surges
With U.S. access uncertain for some nations, travel experts predict that Mexico and Canada may see surging international attendance as alternative host destinations.
Fans unable to enter the U.S. may instead:
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Attend matches in Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara
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Travel regionally across host borders
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Rely more heavily on broadcast viewing rather than in-person attendance
While this could financially benefit those nations, it could also lead to uneven stadium environments across the tournament.
Trump’s Direct Influence Over the Tournament
Trump is expected to remain personally involved in World Cup preparations throughout 2025 and 2026. Officials close to the administration say the president views the tournament as a major opportunity to showcase American strength, infrastructure, and global leadership.
At the same time, the expanding travel ban ensures that Trump’s immigration agenda will remain deeply intertwined with the event—making the World Cup as much a political stage as a sporting one.
What Comes Next
With the tournament now less than 18 months away:
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FIFA officials are monitoring the situation closely
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National teams are already adjusting travel plans
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Immigration lawyers are preparing for legal challenges
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Fan organizations are launching global advocacy campaigns
Whether Trump ultimately finalizes the additional 11-country expansion remains uncertain, but DHS has made clear that the evaluation process is ongoing and active.
A Tournament Caught Between Politics and Sport
The 2026 World Cup was envisioned as a celebration of unity, competition, and global culture across North America. Yet the expanding travel bans are turning that vision into a complex diplomatic test—one that pits national security rhetoric against the fundamental spirit of international sport.
For now, millions of fans around the world are waiting anxiously, unsure whether they will be allowed to witness history in person—or forced to watch from afar as borders close.
And as Trump’s administration continues to expand its control over who can and cannot enter the United States, the world’s biggest soccer tournament is rapidly becoming one of the most politically charged in modern history.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
