Trump’s Controversial Travel Ban Raises Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics
As the United States prepares to host two of the world’s largest sporting events — the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics — a new travel ban introduced by former President Donald Trump is causing global concern about its potential impact on international sports.
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The policy, which places full travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries and partial constraints on seven more, is part of a broader immigration and national security agenda. While Trump has defended the move as essential for the nation’s safety, critics are raising alarms about the possible consequences for athletes, fans, and organizers.
According to a BBC Sport report, while the travel ban introduces strict measures, it includes key exemptions for major international sporting events — a clause that could protect participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games.
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, addressed the concerns during a press briefing following a meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
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“It was very clear in the directive that the Olympics require special consideration, and I want to thank the federal government for recognizing that,” Wasserman said.
“It’s very clear that the federal government understands that this is an environment they will be accommodating and provide for.”
Despite the reassurances, sports analysts and human rights organizations remain wary. The travel ban could still affect the movement of coaching staff, officials, journalists, and fans — especially from the restricted countries.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw visitors from over 100 nations. Similarly, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are projected to bring in more than 10,000 athletes and hundreds of thousands of spectators.
While U.S. officials claim they will handle visa exemptions for sporting delegations carefully, the global sports community continues to monitor the situation closely. With international unity and inclusiveness at the heart of both the World Cup and Olympics, any perceived discrimination could create diplomatic tensions and logistical challenges.
The debate underscores how sports and politics remain deeply intertwined — especially in an era where global mobility is increasingly politicized.
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