The White House has confirmed that the new travel restrictions implemented by the Trump administration will not affect players and team personnel traveling to the United States for this summer`s FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup. These tournaments are covered by specific exemptions within the policy.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing full or partial travel bans on travelers from 19 countries, with exceptions. The list of countries facing full bans includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. This list includes nations with teams or players expected to participate in the upcoming tournaments, such as Haiti competing in the Gold Cup and Iran international Mehdi Taremi, who is part of the Inter Milan squad participating in the Club World Cup.
However, the proclamation features an exemption for athletes and staff participating in major sporting events held in the U.S., specifically mentioning the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. It also includes an exception for “other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State,” a category that the White House has clarified includes both the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup.
This clarification explains how the new travel policy impacts soccer events scheduled to take place in the U.S. in the near future.
Countries Affected by the Travel Ban
Travelers from 12 countries face full restrictions: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — are subject to partial restrictions. These limitations apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants, but are not expected to impact individuals holding visas issued prior to the ban`s start date or green card holders.
Exemptions Applicable to Soccer Participants
Among the various exemptions listed in the proclamation is one for athletes and staff traveling for major sporting events in the U.S. While the World Cup and Olympics were specifically cited, a White House spokesperson confirmed that the Club World Cup and Gold Cup fall under this exemption as well.
This is significant as Haiti`s men`s national team is set to compete in the Gold Cup. Furthermore, several players participating in the Club World Cup hail from nations listed in the proclamation, including Josna Loulendo of Al Ain (Republic of Congo), Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Roger Aholou (Togo) playing for Al Ain and Esperanza de Tunis respectively, and Matías Lacava and Salomon Rondon (Venezuela) playing for Ulsan HD and Pachuca.
Potential Broader Impacts on Soccer
Although players and staff are exempt, the travel ban could still create difficulties for fans from the affected countries wishing to travel to the U.S. for these or future sporting events.
Another point of uncertainty is which other future competitions might qualify for this exemption. The U.S. regularly hosts international preseason friendlies and the annual Leagues Cup involving MLS and Liga MX teams. It remains to be seen if these events will consistently be deemed “major sporting events.”
Prior to this proclamation, during the second Trump administration, travel policy concerns had already led some international players to avoid coming to the U.S. For instance, four Zambian NWSL players missed games in China in April due to federation concerns about re-entry into the U.S., and Venezuelan player Deyna Castellanos also opted not to represent her national team due to a lack of clarity on U.S. travel policies at the time.
