On June 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Proclamation 10949, reviving and expanding travel bans on what his administration calls "high-risk nations with stopped working vetting systems." In overall, 12 countries– including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan– now deal with full entry bans, while seven others such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nigeria deal with extreme constraints. While the order grants exemptions for players, coaches, and main staff, millions of fans, reporters, and event employees are effectively locked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup– the biggest sporting event ever hosted in North America.
The timing couldn't be even worse. Visa wait times for many afflicted nations currently go beyond 300– 350 days, suggesting fans can't get approval before kickoff. In Iran's case, the nationwide team can play in U.S. stadiums, however its advocates are barred totally– prompting quiet talks of moving matches to Mexico. Local tourist boards in host cities warn of stalled reservations, reduced visitor costs, and economic losses in the billions. Sponsors fear reputational damage in key markets, while FIFA remains silent in the middle of growing criticism from human rights groups and fans worldwide.
Mexico and Canada, the U.S.'s co-hosts, have openly devoted to welcoming all nationalities, developing a plain contrast in international understanding. With hashtags like #WorldCupForAll and #Boycott 2026 trending, the debate is quickly becoming a specifying story of the competition– raising the question: Can a World Cup genuinely be called "world" if millions are kept outside evictions?
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