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4d ago

Trump Immigration Order Challenges 2026 World Cup’s Inclusive Vision

FIFA’s silence on an order barring visitors from 12 countries undermines its human rights commitments.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino unveils the Club World Cup trophy alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on March 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
A USA soccer ball is placed on the Resolute Desk as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, not pictured, on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018.
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Overview

  • President Trump’s June 4 executive order bars entry to fans from 12 nations—including Iran, Libya and Yemen—and imposes stringent restrictions on seven more.
  • New visa requirements demand social media disclosures and escalate screening at U.S. borders, halting student visa processing and detaining some travelers.
  • Backlogs for embassy interviews have soared to as many as 700 days in Colombia, 560 days in Turkey and 332 days in Morocco, risking exclusion of thousands of supporters.
  • Despite adopting a human rights strategy for the 2026 tournament, FIFA has not publicly challenged the travel ban or pressed for policy reversals.
  • Hosts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico must now address diplomatic tensions and guarantee that all qualified teams, media and fans can participate without discrimination.