Nine World Cup 2026 Hopefuls on Trump’s Expanded US Travel Ban List

A growing political controversy is casting a shadow over the 2026 World Cup as nine national teams—either already qualified or well positioned—are now on the expanded US travel ban list announced by President Donald Trump.

The new list threatens restrictions on 36 countries, mainly in Africa, unless they improve travel documentation for their citizens and address the status of nationals living illegally in the US. Currently, citizens from 12 countries are already banned, with partial restrictions on seven others.

From Africa, four nations—DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, and Ivory Coast—lead their World Cup qualifying groups and are in line for direct qualification. Five others—Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal, and Tanzania—sit second and could still qualify or enter via the intercontinental play-off.

Iran, already qualified, is on the original ban list, and Venezuela, currently holding Conmebol’s play-off spot, adds to the total of nine nations potentially affected.

Despite Trump’s recent statement that the US is “ready to welcome the world” for the 2026 World Cup, the policy shift has raised questions. A White House task force, including FIFA representative Carlos Cordeiro, has been formed to address these visa concerns.

While teams are likely to be granted access, it is expected that fans from affected countries could face major hurdles in attending matches unless significant policy changes are made or their governments meet new US entry standards.