This is the current situation for fans and players from countries banned by the Trump Administration
Supporters from several World Cup 2026 nations face visa bans or $15,000 entry bonds just one month before kickoff.
There is exactly one month to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which should, in theory, see fans from across the globe flock to the United States, Mexico, and Canada to experience the world’s biggest sporting event. This year, however, not all supporters are welcome to the party.
Never mind the controversy surrounding World Cup ticket prices, fans from a number of countries won’t be able to support their national teams in person, or, at best, will be forced to pay vast sums of money to do so.
On Dec. 16 last year, the Trump administration established travel bans for nationals of 39 countries, four of which have qualified for the upcoming World Cup.
World Cup countries under a full travel ban
Nineteen countries are under a full travel ban, including Haiti and Iran.
Of course, you might already be aware that the Asian country has been involved in a very different dispute with the United States. Iran boycotted the World Cup draw, claiming the U.S. denied visas to members of its delegation, and requested that FIFA move its group-stage games to Mexico. That request was denied.
In March, President Trump wrote menacingly on Truth Social: “The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
More recently, the Republican described the ceasefire between the two countries as “unbelievably weak” as talks continued in an attempt to end the conflict.
World Cup countries under a partial travel ban
Two other qualified countries, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, are under a partial travel ban, which includes tourist and visitor visas, the type soccer fans would typically use to enter the United States.
Supporters from the four countries mentioned will still be able to attend World Cup games in the United States if they had already obtained unaffected visas before the travel ban was enacted.
The exemptions include “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State,” according to Trump’s proclamation.
Visa Bond program hikes up World Cup cost
Then, at the beginning of April, the U.S. State Department expanded its Visa Bond program, requiring nationals from 50 countries to pay $15,000 to enter the country “for tourism or business.”
Of those 50 countries, Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tunisia will be at the World Cup. We can only assume many of their fans won’t be.
On this occasion, players, coaches, and team staff are not exempt, although FIFA has reportedly been pushing the Trump administration to relax the measures for individuals competing in the tournament.
As yet, there has been no indication that world soccer’s governing body has been successful, meaning simply taking part in the World Cup could prove to be an expensive experience for some qualified nations.
Of the affected countries affected, Iran, Haiti, Algeria and Cape Verde will play all three of their group games in the United States. Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal at least have one match apiece in Toronto, while Tunisia will play two of their fixtures in Guadalajara.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.