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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump's New Travel Ban Threatens to Upend World Cup and Olympics for Fans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump worked hard to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the United States during his first term — and he made sure the world knew it. From campaign rallies to handwritten letters on White House stationery, he celebrated it as a defining global achievement. "I am confident," he wrote to FIFA in 2018, "that all eligible athletes, officials and fans... would be able to enter the United States without discrimination." At the time, the bet was simple: Trump would be long gone by the time the tournament kicked off. But in one of the most improbable comebacks in modern American politics, Trump is not only back in the White House — he's now rewriting the rules for who can attend the event he once helped sell to the world. US President Donald Trump listens to Vice President JD Vance speak during a meeting with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the East Room of the White house in... US President Donald Trump listens to Vice President JD Vance speak during a meeting with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the East Room of the White house in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025. The soccer world championship will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. More Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images In a move reminiscent of his first term, a new executive order bans entry from 12 nations — including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Haiti — and restricts travel from seven more. The order includes exemptions for athletes and staff attending "major sporting events," such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. But for ordinary fans from those countries planning to make a pilgrimage to America for either global sporting event, that door has been just shut. Take Iran, whose national team as already qualified for the Cup. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, between 20,000 and 25,000 Iranian fans attended matches at Khalifa International Stadium. Even in 2014 in Brazil, some 2,000 fans made the journey. Under Trump's new order — which labels Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism" and says it "regularly fails to cooperate" with the United States on security issues — that kind of turnout would be impossible in 2026. Other affected nations are also in contention. Haiti currently leads its group after two strong wins in the second round of CONCACAF qualifiers. Libya, currently third in a six-team group, still has a shot through the African playoff route. Venezuela, ranked seventh in South America, could make its first-ever World Cup appearance if it secures an intercontinental playoff berth. Should any of these teams qualify, they'll be allowed to send players and core staff. But unless policy changes, the fans who fueled their journeys will have to stay home. A Win Becomes a Liability In 2018, Trump's personal letters to FIFA helped ease fears among soccer federations wary of his immigration policies. According to The New York Times, the administration crafted the language carefully, with input from the National Security Council and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, who also lobbied allies like Saudi Arabia to support the joint bid and defeat Morocco, the favorite at the time. The promises were clear: the U.S. would not discriminate on who could attend. Then–Secretary of State Rex Tillerson affirmed the country's intent "to issue visas, subject to eligibility under U.S. law, without regard to race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, disability, wealth, birth or any other status, or sexual orientation." "These guarantees," then–U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro wrote in a follow-up letter, "will ensure that every eligible fan... will have unhindered access." Fast forward to 2025, and those same guarantees are being undermined by a White House that is again prioritizing border security — and warning travelers worldwide that their public statements, including social media posts, may be scrutinized and could jeopardize their chances of obtaining a U.S. visa. This policy, initially targeting individuals associated with Harvard University, is part of a broader initiative to evaluate visa applicants for signs of antisemitism or anti-American sentiment. It is expected to expand to other institutions and categories. Newsweek has reached out to the White House, State Department, FIFA and Iran's football federation for comment. Visa Bottlenecks Even for countries not subject to the travel ban, attending the World Cup may be out of reach. The U.S. visa system is buckling under pressure. Wait times for tourist visa appointments exceed 700 days in Bogotá, Colombia, and more than 500 days in Ankara and Casablanca. For fans hoping to attend next summer, the window is closing fast. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress last month that his department is considering 24-hour embassy staffing and artificial intelligence to accelerate processing. "If you haven't applied for a visa from Colombia already, you probably won't get here in time," Rubio said. FIFA is watching nervously. The organization expects next year's World Cup to generate $14 billion in revenue, much of it tied to international tourism. But if global fans can't secure visas, that windfall could shrink — and host cities like Kansas City, Miami and New York could lose out. EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Uruguay players warm-up before a Copa America 2024 Group C match between Bolivia and Uruguay at MetLife Stadium on June 27, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Uruguay players warm-up before a Copa America 2024 Group C match between Bolivia and Uruguay at MetLife Stadium on June 27, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Stephen Nadler/Beyond the financial risk, FIFA faces a more visible threat: the optics of empty seats. The 2024 Copa América, also hosted in the United States, has already shown how things can go wrong. Despite being played in massive NFL stadiums, the tournament struggled with low attendance and lackluster fan engagement. The U.S. men's national team's opener against Bolivia drew fewer than 48,000 fans to the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Texas. Even the final — featuring powerhouse teams Argentina and Colombia — failed to sell out Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Mixed Messages FIFA has long insisted that host nations must provide entry to all competing teams, staff and fans. In 2017, FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned that if countries couldn't guarantee access, "there is no World Cup." In 2025, he reaffirmed that stance: "Football unites the world," he said in a recent video. "Everyone who wants to come... will be able to do that." Yet even within FIFA, confidence is waning. A source close to the organization told The Athletic that visa delays have become a top concern, particularly for African and Latin American countries. Still, Infantino remains confident that his close relationship with President Trump could help ensure a successful tournament. "America will welcome the world. Everyone who wants to come here to enjoy, to have fun and to celebrate the game will be able to do that," he said earlier this year. Infantino has appeared at Trump's rallies, dined with him at Davos, and even presented him with a replica of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy — now displayed in the Oval Office. FIFA president (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Gianni Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with the new FIFA Club World Cup official ball in the Oval office of the White House, in Washington, DC, on... FIFA president (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Gianni Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with the new FIFA Club World Cup official ball in the Oval office of the White House, in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2025. More Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images But the administration's messaging remains mixed. At a meeting of the White House's World Cup task force last month, Vice President J.D. Vance said: "Of course everyone is welcome to come and see this wonderful event. We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games. But when the time is up, we want them to go home — otherwise they will have to talk to Secretary Noem," he said, referring to Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security. The concerns also extend beyond the World Cup. Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has said she wants to meet with Trump to ensure the success of the approaching 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. "He was the president at the time when LA was awarded the Games," Coventry said to the press in March. "I truly believe that he wants the LA28 Games to be a huge success."
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
U.S. Vice President JD Vance jokes about detaining World Cup visitors
'When the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem.' U.S. Vice President JD Vance looks on during a meeting with the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup. Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The FIFA World Cup is set to bring millions of fans to North America next year to watch their country compete for international soccer's biggest prize. But U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a warning for fans travelling to the United States next summer if they decide to overstay their welcome. 'I know we'll have visitors from close to 100 countries, we want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game,' Vance said on Tuesday at a meeting of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. 'But when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account VANCE: We'll have visitors from close to 100 countries. We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games. But when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem AUDIENCE: 🦗😳🦗😳 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 6, 2025 Vance was referring to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has become the face of ICE — Immigration and Customs Enforcement – and its crackdown on illegal immigrants. Noem often has been seen joining ICE on raids as it detains people. Noem also was at present at the World Cup meeting, where she said that 2 million foreign visitors are expected to come to the U.S. for the World Cup and that the handling of visitors' documents to get into the country will 'go smoothly.' U.S. President Donald Trump also boasted about how the tournament would generate 'tens of billions of dollars in economic activities for local businesses' and 'thousands and thousands of jobs for American workers.' Trump also touted that the event 'will be the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.' Read More The United States is one of three host nations for the quadrennial event, along with Canada and Mexico. But the U.S. will host the majority of games – 78 out of the 104 total matches – and 11 of the 16 host cities are in America. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that he is excited for next summer's event, which is set to run from June 11 to July 19 and will be the biggest World Cup yet, with the field expanded to 48 teams. 'America will welcome the world. Everyone who wants to come here to enjoy, to have fun to celebrate the game, will be able to do that,' Infantino said. Television Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Columnists Sunshine Girls
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JD Vance warns World Cup visitors not to overstay visas: 'When time is up, they'll have to go home'
Vice President JD Vance jokingly suggested detaining foreign visitors who overstay their welcome during the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This remark, referencing Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem's immigration enforcement, has sparked criticism amidst concerns about strained international relations and potential impacts on tourism. JD Vance said 'badass' Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem would be responsible for ensuring that supporters depart after Fifa tournament. JD Vance jokingly said fans coming to the US to watch FIFA World Cup would be deported if they overstay. Social media users said no body laughed at his joke. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US to host soccer World Cup Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Vice President JD Vance joked detaining foreign visitors who overstay their welcome during the 2026 World Cup. The United States is hosting next summer along with Canada and Mexico."I know we'll have visitors from close to 100 countries, we want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game," Vance said at the meeting of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday."But when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem," he quipped. He was referring to Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem has become the face of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) crackdown on migrants, often joining them on raids as they detain year's soccer World Cup will be held jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico, at a time when international relations with America are particularly strained. On top of several ongoing wars, Trump has implemented widespread tariffs, stoked fears that the U.S. will leave NATO and has begun a massive crackdown on illegal 2 million foreign visitors are expected to come to the U.S. for the World Cup next year, Noem said at the meeting.'Quite a way to motivate foreign tourists,' Wall Street Journal chief foreign affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov posted to X. 'Trying to decide if Vance is our most sycophantic VP of all time,' University of Illinois professor Kate Clancy wrote on Bluesky.'Please, no one come to the World Cup. We don't deserve your tourism dollars and you don't deserve the dangers.' 'Relax on Vance's insane threat to jail international World Cup ticket holders if they don't leave the country immediately rather than stay here and spend tourism money,' Olbermann wrote on X. 'Watch. FIFA will be moving the World Cup elsewhere.'Trump said the tournament spoke about how the tournament would generate "tens of billions of dollars in economic activities for local businesses" and "thousands and thousands of jobs for American workers." Trump said the event "will be the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history."With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, preparations are entering their final phase. In the U.S., cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta are gearing up to host matches, with infrastructure projects nearing completion and security protocols being it was not only JD Vance who issued the stern warning. Transport secretary Sean Duffy also said the same thing when he asked fans to not stay in the US for too long. 'If you're coming to see some soccer ... go on a road trip. See America,' he said before he changed his tone. 'Don't overstay your visa. Don't stay too long.'
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
‘Don't stay too long' – JD Vance issues warning to Irish football fans travelling to US for World Cup 2026
JD Vance has warned football fans planning on travelling over for the World Cup that they must 'go home' afterwards. The US vice-president said the Trump Administration was looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of supporters for the world's biggest sporting event next year. 3 Trump and Vance speak during a meeting of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Credit: The Mega Agency 3 Irish football fans during Euro 2016 match versus Sweden Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 3 Vance warned fans travelling over for the football: 'Don't stay too long' Credit: Splash News The USA will host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final, along with co-hosts Mexico and Canada. Speaking at the first meeting of He said: 'Of course everyone is welcome to come and see this wonderful event. 'We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games. READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2026 'But when the time is up we want them to go home, otherwise they will have to talk to Secretary (Kristi) Noem.' Noem is Trump's Homeland Security Secretary who has been She agreed: 'We're processing those travel documents and visa applications already. 'That is obviously going to be a precursor to what we can do next year for the World Cup as well. It is all being facilitated.' MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed Vance's warning and chimed in: 'This is a short-term push of people coming in to see soccer matches, and then they'll go home. 'If you're coming to see some soccer … go on a road trip. See America. Donald Trump meets new Canadian rival Mark Carney for showdown talks after '51st state' & 'takeover' jibes 'Don't overstay your visa. Don't stay too long.' Earlier President Trump, sitting alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, said he believes next year's tournament will be the best ever. He bragged: 'Together, we will ensure that the 2026 World Cup will be the best-run soccer tournament the world has ever seen. 'This is going to blow every other tournament you did. You're gonna say, 'how terrible a job you did in the past, because this is so much better,' Gianni. This is going to blow 'em all away.' Trump said his son Barron was a hardcore footie fan and gives him a hard time for calling the sport 'soccer' rather than 'football'. Barron also speaks Slovenian, which calls the sport 'nogomet.' Trump said: 'He's a little tall for soccer but that's okay. "He loves soccer.' Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani was named as the head of Trump's taskforce on the 2026 World Cup. Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor and longtime Trump ally Rudy, served as the Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison during Trump's first term.
Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Lawmakers Announce Bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing National Security for Major US Events
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced on May 6 a bipartisan task force to enhance national security for a few major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the United States over the next few years. In addition to the soccer tournament, the Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events will also focus on next year's 250th anniversary of America's independence, the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2027 NFL Draft, and the 2028 Olympics, which will be in Los Angeles. The draft will be held in Washington, while the golf tournament will be in Farmingdale, New York, in September. Green and McCaul did not release the names of who will be on the task force, which will oversee the federal government's security measures for the events. In statements, McCaul and Green talked about the importance of the task force. 'As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it's imperative that we make robust security preparations to ensure Americans—and millions of international guests—can safely enjoy their experience,' McCaul said. 'While these events provide a unique opportunity to showcase the United States' global leadership and commitment to excellence, they can also attract increased threats as our adversaries and other malign actors seek to exploit and sabotage them.' Green noted that there have been major events in America where there were mass casualties. These included the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, where Related Stories 3/7/2025 3/30/2025 'While this is an important opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism, we have seen time and time again that mass-spectator events can present unique challenges for law enforcement and prime opportunities for America's adversaries,' Green said, adding that 'it is of the utmost importance that we learn from the past and ensure the federal government leads robust and coordinated security efforts alongside state and local officials, emergency managers, and all levels of law enforcement to stay ahead of threats in the coming months.' McCaul and Green's announcement of the task force comes the same day as President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Trump said during the meeting, which was held at the White House, that his administration 'will be working to ensure that these events are safe and successful, and those traveling to America to watch the competition have a seamless experience during every part of their visit.'
