President Donald Trump’s new travel ban exemption has stirred global sports circles, as it allows athletes and support staff involved in upcoming global events to bypass entry restrictions. The exemption covers participants in the 2025 Club World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics.
Details of the Ban and Exemption
The sweeping order fully bans entry from 12 nations, including Iran, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia, and partially restricts travel from seven more, such as Venezuela and Cuba. However, Section 4 of the executive order provides relief to athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate family traveling for major sporting events.
The order does not define whether the “World Cup” includes both the 2026 FIFA tournament and this year’s Club World Cup, raising questions for teams preparing for matches in the U.S. FIFA has yet to clarify the extent of this exception or confirm if it lobbied for it. Its president, Gianni Infantino, has appeared regularly with Trump, fueling speculation.
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Athletes Potentially Affected
Several Club World Cup players from affected countries could have been barred from entering the U.S. without the exemption. These include Venezuela’s Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami), Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo), and David Martínez (LAFC), Iran’s Mehdi Taremi (Internazionale), and Sudan’s Mohamed Awadalla (Pachuca). Players from Togo, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea also appear on qualified team rosters.
International Confusion and Scheduling Worries
The ban’s implementation on June 9 could have disrupted international matches. Venezuela, currently playing World Cup qualifiers, has three Major League Soccer players who may have faced travel hurdles. The unclear status of the exemption had sparked concern among clubs and federations, especially with qualifiers underway.
Still in Contention
Only Iran has officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup. But several banned nations, including Venezuela, Sudan, Haiti, and Libya, remain mathematically in contention. Their participation hinges on playoff routes and final-round qualification matches.
As global tournaments near, clarity on the travel ban’s scope will be crucial for players, teams, and event organizers.
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