There has been more controversy and chaos ahead of next summer's World Cup after Donald Trump confirmed that another two qualifying nations had been added to his travel ban list.
The US president confirmed earlier this year that people from a wide range of countries, mainly in Africa and the Middle East, would henceforth be banned from entering the US.
This raised immediate issues, with the US set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, particularly after Haiti and Iran both qualified for the tournament.
Although it was made clear that athletes and diplomats would be allowed entry, fans currently won't be permitted to attend any matches that take place in what promises to be the biggest ever World Cup in terms of teams taking part.
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This came as an even bigger blow to Haitian nationals after the small island nation qualified for its first-ever World Cup.
Delegates from Iran also recently boycotted the World Cup draw because of the sanctions that were placed on their country, although they probably dodged a bullet considering how long it took to actually complete the draw, unless they're particularly big fans of Robbie Williams and The Village People, of course.
While England fans are still raging about the price of match tickets and pints over in the US, they will have no issues getting into the country, while the latest news means that Senegal and Ivory Coast fans won't be able to attend.
On Tuesday, Trump signed a proclamation which imposed partial travel bans on the African nations, which will suspend entry into the US for immigrants and non-immigrants, including in the visitor category for business and tourism.
Anyone who has watched international football in the past will know that African fans bring nothing but good vibes to the games, with the Senegal supporters going viral at the World Cup in Qatar for dancing in the stands.
But now, they seemingly won't be in attendance for their fixtures against France and Norway at the US’s MetLife Stadium, while Ivory Coast fans will be missing for their group games against Ecuador and Curacao in the United States.
Shortly after winning the FIFA Peace Prize, Trump has now brought in further restrictions against African countries, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a strong-worded statement on X.
She wrote: "I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.
“Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom — not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS. WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”
The World Cup will kick off on 11 June, 2026.
Nations on Trump's travel ban for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Congo-Brazzaville
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Meanwhile, partial travel restrictions were imposed on the following countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
Topics: Donald Trump, Football, US News
James Moorhouse