Banned from the World Cup: fans of two teams are banned from entering the USA

Why are fans from Iran and Haiti banned from entering the USA for the World Cup?
Citizens of Iran and Haiti are banned from entering the United States by decision of Donald Trump's government. Both countries qualified for the World Cup, but fans living in these territories will be unlikely to be able to watch the games in person.
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In June 2025, Trump signed the order determining that citizens of Iran and Haiti, as well as 17 other countries, would be prevented from entering the USA for reasons of national security. The president stated that the measure was intended to prevent terrorist attacks and other threats.
The White House reported that athletes, coaches and close relatives who travel to the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting events are exempt from the restriction.
Exceptions also include permanent residents and dual nationals who have passports from countries not affected by the measure.
In the case of Iran, the controversy took on new contours this year after the country was the target of an offensive by the United States.
The participation of the Iranian team itself was even questioned, as the team's three games in the group stage will be played in the United States. Although the American government granted visas to the athletes, around 15 members of the technical committee were denied entry.
Faced with this scenario, the team chose to establish its base in Tijuana, Mexico. The difficulties, however, were not limited to logistics: just a few days before the start of the World Cup, the Iranian Football Federation had its ticket quota revoked. According to FIFA regulations, 8% of the tickets for each match are reserved for the federations of the teams involved.
For five other countries that will also be at the World Cup - Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia - the USA has suspended the requirement for a deposit of up to US$15,000 (R$75,000) for entry into the country. The measure, however, only applies to fans who have tickets to the World Cup.
Immigrants in fear
Haitians celebrate the team's classification in November 2025
REUTERS/Egeder Pq Fildor
For many immigrants who already live in the USA, the challenge is different. Even with tickets, some fans report fear of attending World Cup games and ending up being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The fear is especially strong among Latin American communities, including thousands of Haitians who live in the country.
"Singing my country's national anthem in a stadium, in front of everyone, is a historic moment that no one would want to miss," said Emile, a Haitian who lives in the United States and preferred not to reveal his last name, in an interview with AFP.
"But, at the same time, I think twice. I don't want ICE to arrest me," he added. "My lawyer advised me not to travel to avoid being intercepted at the airport."
Fears increased after an immigrant who had sought asylum in the United States was detained and deported after attending a Club World Cup match in New Jersey last year. The information comes from the organization Human Rights Watch.
Human rights groups also fear that immigration agents will increase inspections in areas close to stadiums and in Fan Zones, spaces intended for fans that usually bring together thousands of people during major competitions.
Are there risks?
Protesters carry signs condemning the Immigration and Customs Service (ICE)
REUTERS/Tim Evans
More than 120 civil rights organizations in the United States In April, the United States issued a travel alert in which they warned about the "risk of serious rights violations" against fans, players, journalists and other visitors.
According to the alert, people traveling to the US could face risks such as being denied entry, being detained, imprisoned or deported, as well as suffering racial discrimination or "cruel, inhuman or degrading" treatment while in the custody of immigration authorities.
On the other hand, the Trump administration denied the existence of any risk to people who are legally in the United States and stated that there is no cause for concern in these cases.
"What makes a person a target of immigration authorities is the fact that they are or are not in an irregular situation in the United States," he added.
To AFP, FIFA stated that "it is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and strives to promote the protection of these rights."
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Source: G1