FIFA Under Fire as Trump's Travel Ban Blocks Fans from Two World Cups
FIFA Under Fire as Trump's Travel Ban Blocks Fans from Two World Cups originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
President Donald Trump's travel ban, effective June 9, 2025, bars citizens from 12 countries, including Iran and Haiti, from entering the U.S., threatening the Club World Cup which kicks off in a matter of days and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Fans around the globe, eager to cheer their teams, face exclusion despite exemptions for athletes. The move has ignited fury and logistical chaos.
Trump's ban has upended travel plans and stirred fan fury.
Iran, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, sees its fans barred from the spectacle. Haitian supporters, with their team strong in CONCACAF qualifiers, also face a locked gate. FIFA's vision of unity feels hollow as fans cry foul (BBC Sport, June 6, 2025).
The ban only exempts athletes, coaches, and support staff for 'major' events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics, but fans get no such pass. Iranian fans, who rallied 20,000-strong in Qatar 2022, now face a dream deferred. Haiti's vibrant supporters, a force at the 2023 Women's World Cup, are similarly sidelined.
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Trump's proclamation cites national security, labeling Iran a 'state sponsor of terrorism' and Haiti as lacking 'sufficient law enforcement' per the White House. Critics argue this paints entire nations as threats, alienating global soccer communities. The State Department claims vetting is essential for safe hosting, but fans see it as a betrayal, per The Athletic.
How will Trump's travel ban affect fans wanting to see the Club World Cup and next year's World Cup?Photo byVisa processing, already sluggish, faces new hurdles. Trump's reported cuts to federal agents, including Homeland Security staff, have slashed visa processing capacity. Fans worldwide, even from non-banned countries, fear inevitable delays as backlogs continue to grow. Sources like CNN and The Athletic report visa wait times stretching over a year in cities like Bogota (710 days) and Istanbul (713 days) already.
Gianni Infantino said "The world is welcome in America,'
The FIFA President, now faces a diplomatic mess. Posts on X reflect fan anger, with some calling for FIFA to reconsider U.S. hosting rights. This month's Club World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup, both U.S.-based, are also tangled in the ban's web.
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"Me and a few mates were planning to go to the US for the Club World Cup, but with this travel ban, we're not risking getting turned away or worse, locked up. No tickets, no hotels, no visiting local spots. Gutted." - @BillRoss12, May 30, 2025"
Haiti's team, set to play in the Gold Cup starting June 14, 2025, in cities like San Diego, can compete, but their fans may not attend. Sudan and Venezuela, still in World Cup qualifying, face similar fan restrictions if they qualify. The global soccer community feels snubbed per FIFA.com.
Fans Left Out While Teams Play On
The ban's timing, just before the Club World Cup, amplifies its sting. Fans from affected nations, dreaming of the FIFA spectacle, now face a stark message: 'Stay home.' The World Cup's promise of unity is at odds with this exclusion per Sky Sports.
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Soccer thrives on passion, yet this policy risks alienating millions. Fans are left wondering if the 2026 World Cup will be a true global celebration or a fractured event. The ball is in FIFA's court to address this growing outcry.
Next: Is FIFA's Club World Cup the Biggest Flop in Soccer History?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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