Trump Travel Ban Sparks World Cup Questions — and Raises More Soccer Issues

Beyond politics and immigration, the Trump administration's contentious 2017 travel ban, which limited admission into the US for nationals of several primarily Muslim nations, had far-reaching effects. International soccer was one unanticipated area of concern, especially in relation to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which the United States is scheduled to co-host with Canada and Mexico. Concerns about whether players, officials, and spectators from impacted countries would have trouble entering the country were raised by the ban, and they have come up again as the tournament draws near.

The Initial Impact on Soccer

International soccer faced obvious difficulties when the travel ban was originally implemented. For instance, when their national team was set to play in the United States, Iranian players were hesitant. Potential obstacles for teams from prohibited countries were brought to light in 2017 when the Iranian team had trouble obtaining visas for a friendly match versus Bosnia-Herzegovina in California.

In a similar vein, questions were raised about whether athletes who hold dual citizenship or even those who were born in one of the nations on the list may be prohibited from traveling to the United States to compete. FIFA, which encourages inclusion in international soccer, found itself in an awkward position as a result. As a basic prerequisite for hosting a World Cup, the organization has to consider whether the United States could ensure equitable access for all qualified teams.

The 2026 World Cup Dilemma

The problem has received more attention now that the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host most of the 2026 World Cup. More countries than ever before will compete in the 48-team format, raising the possibility that at least one impacted nation may make it.

Even though the original travel ban has now been lifted by the Biden administration, there is still anxiety about potential policy changes in the future under new leadership. FIFA and participating countries might face logistical challenges if a similar ban were to be restored before to 2026. Would there be exceptions for players from prohibited nations? Would those teams' games need to be rescheduled to Canada or Mexico? These questions are yet unanswered, which clouds tournament preparations.

Broader Implications for Soccer in the U.S.

The uproar surrounding the travel ban goes beyond the World Cup and speaks to more serious problems in American sport. With Major League Soccer (MLS) increasing and foreign teams visiting the nation for high-profile friendlies, the United States has established itself as a developing center for the sport. However, stringent immigration laws may discourage coaches and players from considering the United States as a potential location.

The ban also brought attention to the political issues that can arise between sports and politics. Although nationality-based visa limitations erode the spirit of fair competition, soccer has historically served as a unifying factor. Future bids for tournaments and the development of soccer domestically may suffer if the United States is perceived as an inhospitable host by the international soccer community.

FIFA’s Role and Potential Solutions

Historically, FIFA has refrained from making overt political views, but the problem of travel bans might compel the organization to do so. Requiring host countries to ensure unfettered entrance for all participants as a requirement of hosting is one potential remedy. Games may be moved to co-host countries if the United States is unable to offer such guarantees.

An alternative strategy would be for FIFA to collaborate with U.S. authorities to create unique visa exemptions for officials and players during the competition. Major events have previously been organized in a similar manner, although this requires the federal government's assistance, which may not be assured in subsequent administrations.