Overview
- The White House confirmed it will maintain a June 2025 proclamation barring entry to nationals of 19 countries.
- Exemptions cover players, team staff, coaches and certain essential officials, while supporters, journalists and wider technical personnel are not assured entry.
- Haiti and Iran are particularly exposed because they have qualified for 2026 yet remain on the U.S. restrictions list, with most visa requests expected to be ruled ineligible.
- FIFA’s accreditation system will not override federal vetting, and the organization is exploring limited exemptions, shifting functions to Canada and Mexico, and quiet diplomatic outreach without a settled solution.
- Multiple outlets report Russia is considering a parallel 2026 event for non-qualified teams, with an informal invite list and even Washington D.C. floated by some reports, though the idea faces FIFA/UEFA prohibitions and diplomatic hurdles.