World Cup 2026: Trump imposes immigration restrictions on qualifying countries

Less than a year before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new decision by the government of Donald Trump, President of the United States, has generated concern among fans, migrant communities and sports organizations. The president signed a presidential proclamation restricting the entry into the country of citizens from Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast, nations that will participate in the World Cup tournament.

According to a newspaper report, these restrictions are part of a broader immigration policy that once again places sports at the center of the political debate. Trump’s measure does not directly affect national teams or their official delegations, which will be able to enter U.S. territory under strict security controls, but it does impact thousands of fans who planned to travel to support their teams.

Fans, the most affected

For supporters of Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as Iran and Haiti, Trump’s decision represents a significant hurdle.

Although the teams will compete normally at their assigned venues, their citizens will face immigration restrictions that could prevent them from attending games in the United States.

It should be recalled that, in the case of Iran, the situation had already generated tension previously.

So much so that his delegation even considered boycotting the World Cup draw in Washington D.C.

This follows the banning of one of its federative members.

Host cities of affected teams

Despite Trump’s restrictions, the matches of these teams will be played in different U.S. cities:

Ivory Coast
vs Ecuador – June 14, Philadelphia
vs Curacao – June 25, Philadelphia

Senegal
vs France – June 16, New York/New Jersey
vs Norway – June 22, New York/New Jersey

Iran
vs New Zealand – June 15, Los Angeles
vs Belgium – June 21, Los Angeles
vs Egypt – June 26, Seattle

Haiti
vs Scotland – June 13, Boston
vs Brazil – June 19, Philadelphia
vs Morocco – June 24, Atlanta

A decision that divides opinions
Despite the controversy, Trump recently received the FIFA Peace Award, presented by Gianni Infantino during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony.

This gesture generated mixed reactions, especially among sectors that consider immigration policies to be in contradiction with the inclusive spirit of the tournament.

For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.