The Impact of U.S. Travel Policies on Major Sporting Events: A Closer Look

Anticipation for Global Events

As U.S. President Donald Trump looks forward to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during his second term, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the visa policies for foreign visitors. These two prestigious events, commonly regarded as the pinnacle of international sports, are now threatened by recent travel restrictions that could hinder the attendance of athletes and fans alike.

Understanding the Travel Ban

Effective from a recent Monday, Trump’s travel ban imposes restrictions on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Furthermore, tighter restrictions affect visitors from seven additional nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The rationale behind these restrictions stems from the claim that these countries maintain "deficient" screening and vetting processes, or have historically refused to repatriate their citizens.

Implications for the World Cup and Olympics

Iran, a formidable soccer nation, is the only one of the targeted countries to have already qualified for the World Cup. While Cuba, Haiti, and Sudan are still in contention, others like Sierra Leone and Burundi pose outside chances. However, athletes from these nations are expected to be granted exceptions to travel for the World Cup and Olympics. The policy includes provisions for athletes, their coaches, and family members, allowing them to participate in these international competitions.

Around 200 countries are anticipated to send athletes to the Summer Games, meaning that several nations facing travel restrictions may still be represented. These exceptions, however, do not extend to fans, which raises concerns about the level of attendance at these events.

The Fan Experience Under Restriction

While athletes may find a pathway through the travel ban, fans from the targeted countries face a more formidable challenge. The restrictions do not provide any exemptions for fans wanting to attend the World Cup or Olympics, potentially limiting the passionate support that often characterizes these global events. Historically, Iranian soccer fans, for instance, have struggled to secure visas for prior tournaments.

It’s important to note that fans attending these major events are often from abroad and may present a different profile compared to club supporters traveling for local matches. The dynamics of World Cup fans typically involve a wealthier demographic, which could influence how host nations approach security concerns.

Collaboration Between the U.S. and Sporting Bodies

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cultivated significant relations with Trump since 2018, emphasizing the importance of a seamless operation during the World Cup. Given that FIFA expects a substantial portion of its revenue—approximately $13 billion—from the 2023-2026 tournaments, the stakes are high for all involved. Infantino and Trump discussed various strategies during White House meetings aimed at addressing visa and security challenges.

Casey Wasserman, chair of the LA Olympics, also expressed confidence that there would be no barriers to country participation under the current travel policies. He revealed the presence of a dedicated desk at the State Department set up to handle short-notice visa requests, although the focus primarily remains on athletes and support staff rather than fans.

International Precedents on Travel and Tourism

Looking back, previous host nations for major events have implemented distinctive measures to smooth the travel experience. For instance, during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, fans were permitted entry with ticketed visas, a policy that Qatar also adopted for its tournament. However, both nations conducted background checks on visitors to ensure security.

In another instance, during the London Olympics, Belarus’s President Alexander Lukashenko was denied a visa, illustrating that host nations can exert significant control over who may attend their events.

In light of the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, as well as the ongoing discussions between U.S. authorities and sporting organizations, the evolving landscape of travel policies will continue to shape the accessibility and inclusivity of these monumental global gatherings.