Fans from 15 competing nations face World Cup ban under new Donald Trump rule

An internal memo released by the State Department on Wednesday instructed consular officers to deny visas to applicants from 75 countries. Under the new policy, football fans from those nations would be unable to travel to the United States to attend the tournament. The rule is expected to take effect on 21 January and remain in place indefinitely.

As a result, at least 15 World Cup participants could be affected, including Brazil, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. Group C would be particularly impacted, with three of its four teams - Brazil, Haiti and Morocco - included on the list.

The other affected countries are Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

The move comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. In a worst-case scenario, diplomatic relations could deteriorate further. Iran’s national team is expected to compete at the 2026 World Cup in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, but the current situation raises uncertainty over their participation.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June and will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. The United States will serve as the main host nation, with 11 stadiums selected to stage matches from the group phase to the final. The final is expected to take place on 20 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

World Cup nations hit by Trump's ban 

Brazil 

Morocco

Haiti

Algeria

Cape Verde

Colombia

Cote d'Ivoire

Egypt

Ghana

Iran

Jordan

Senegal

Tunisia

Uruguay

Uzbekistan