A World Cup 2026 without fans? U.S. travel restrictions leave some nations facing unprecedented crisis | OneFootball

Haiti & Iran hit hardest by Trump era restrictions

A World Cup 2026 without fans? U.S. travel restrictions leave some nations facing unprecedented crisis

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being overshadowed by escalating political tension in the United States after the Trump administration confirmed it will fully enforce its 2025 executive order restricting entry to citizens from 19 nations including two country that have already booked their tickets to the tournament. Haiti & Iran.

The restriction list includes:

While players, coaches and narrow circle of team officials remain exempt under special provision, thousands of supporters, journalists, scouts, analysts and extended delegations face almost automatic denial of entry to the United States which is hosting the majority of World Cup matches.

This unprecedented situation threatens to create the most politically complicated World Cup in modern history.

Among all the restricted countries, only Haiti and Iran have sealed qualification so far making them the most directly affected.

Haiti’s fairytale return meets a harsh reality

Haiti stunned the region by qualifying under coach Sebastien Migne, overcoming instability, gang violence and decades of absence from the global stage. But now thousands of Haitian supporters with tickets in hand may still be denied entry.

Iran faces diplomatic deadlock

Iran qualified for its fourth straight World Cup, is in similar position. U.S authorities have privately warned that visa applications from Iranian citizens will be "highly likely to be rejected" further heightening political strain.

For both countries, this means one thing.. Their national teams will play at the World Cup with minimal fan presence.

Beyond fans, federations fear critical technical staff may be unable to enter the U.S, including:

FIFA Under Pressure

FIFA now finds itself navigating political minefield.

Three urgent options are being explored:

Widening the category of "essential personnel" to include more federation staff.. something that requires U.S government approval.

Training bases, media centres or even matches could be relocated outside the U.S if diplomatic talks stall.

Special one event agreements similar to those used for athletes during the Olympics.

None of these solutions are guaranteed.

Infantino Warned of This Back in 2017

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has long insisted:

FIFA has already secured limited concession:

But as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified, this does not guarantee approval: