Overview
- Joan Capdevila said Saturday that his ESTA application was denied, preventing him from travelling to the United States with his children to watch Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
- Capdevila told Spanish media the refusal was linked to a single LaLiga ‘legends’ match he played in Tehran in 2016 and said he disclosed that trip on his travel application.
- He publicly asked President Trump for help and said the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA had not been able to resolve the issue before the final.
- Reports from the tournament week show other World Cup participants have faced entry problems, including Somali referee Omar Artan and several Iranian officials, which has complicated preparations and raised reputational concerns for organizers.
- Under the US Visa Waiver Program, an ESTA can be denied for prior travel to certain countries and applicants then must seek a visa, leaving it unclear whether US authorities will reverse Capdevila’s refusal before the match.