The White House has confirmed that the recent travel ban introduced by the Trump administration will not affect athletes and personnel attending the FIFA Club World Cup and the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. These events have been explicitly exempted.
President Trump signed a proclamation instituting restrictions on travelers from 19 countries, which includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Yemen, among others. This decision could have posed challenges for international teams participating in these crucial tournaments, such as Haiti’s national team, who are scheduled to face the U.S. men’s team on June 22.
However, the proclamation allows exclusions for participants attending the World Cup and Olympics, the latter scheduled to occur in the U.S. in 2026 and 2028, respectively. The proclamation recognizes other significant sporting events will also receive this exemption, which protects players and staff involved in the Club World Cup and Gold Cup.
The new travel restrictions will be effective from Monday. The situation may cause complications for fans trying to attend games in the U.S. A detailed analysis of the travel ban’s implications for soccer and other major events planned in the U.S. can be found
Impacted Countries
Travelers from 12 countries will face full restrictions, including:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, seven other countries face partial restrictions, which may affect players from those nations participating in these major events. These include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Exemptions for Soccer Players
The proclamation allows exemptions specifically for athletes and support staff attending major sports events, including the Club World Cup and Gold Cup, ensuring their participation is protected.
As countries begin to grapple with this travel ban, several teams are set to compete, and concerns grow regarding its overall impact on future competitions hosted in the U.S. The travel restrictions may also affect everyday situations, such as summer friendlies traditionally held each year.
Fans and teams alike navigate uncharted waters as new travel policies raise questions about accessibility and inclusion in the sporting community.
