A full list of the 19 countries that could be banned from entering the World Cup as a result of the United States’ travel bans has been revealed, and Donald Trump’s administration has since been asked about those nations following the group-stage draw on Friday evening. With FIFA’s biggest tournament less than eight months from getting under way, several teams have already found themselves at risk of not being allowed into the United States for the tournament, including some that have already qualified without needing playoffs for it.
President Trump has made headlines in the footballing world as a result of his conduct during the Club World Cup final, but with the focus now fully on next summer, the future of some of the most prominent countries in football remains up in the air.
All Countries on Travel Ban List Ahead of 2026 World Cup
World Cup – Asian Qualifiers – Group A – Iran v North Korea – Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran – June 10, 2025 Iran players pose for a team group photo before the match Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
On June 9, the Council on Foreign Relations revealed the implementation of stringent travel measures affecting nineteen nations across various regions.
Twelve countries – Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Haiti, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Myanmar, Eritrea, Sudan, and Yemen – have been subjected to total travel bans, meaning they are not allowed to enter the United States in any circumstances. In the case of Iran, they have already qualified for the competition, but their future remains uncertain, though their FA were allowed to attend the draw.
A further seven – Venezuela, Cuba, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan – are facing partial limitations, with specific restrictions placed on certain categories of travelers or types of travel. While Brazil aren’t banned from the tournament, it has been reported they may be forced to play with no fans after it was suggested that Trump was considering a ban on visas for Brazilians – including during the World Cup period.
Journalist Lourival Sant’Anna reported that visa limitations for Brazilian nationals had begun to take effect discreetly this week, coinciding with a visit by Brazilian senators to Washington. The delegation received notably constrained visas, curtailing their permitted length of stay in the United States.
First ticket prices for 2026 World Cup have been released – and fans are not pleased.
Meanwhile, trade tensions have sharply escalated. In April, former President Trump declared a 10% tariff on goods imported from Brazil – matching the standard rate imposed on many countries. However, within just four months, that figure has surged to an alarming 50%, positioning Brazil among the nations now subject to some of the steepest import duties imposed by the U.S. government.
Trump Faces Questions Over ‘Banned Countries’
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, was repeatedly asked about the ban in a press conference on Wednesday, and his responses gave further insight into their stance. As per Al Jazeera, Giuliani confirmed that there will be no special World Cup exemptions for fans from 19 countries that are under a US travel ban. “He also did not rule out targeting undocumented immigrants for removal around matches,” the report adds.
Giuliani also reiterated that players and direct support staff from banned countries will be issued visas, but fans may not get the chance to see their team in action. “Visas are a national security issue, each and every one of those there,” he said, before pointing out that Haiti manager Sebastien Migne has yet to visit the country since being appointed 18 months ago.
“I was reading that the national team coach has not actually been to the country right now,” he added. “So it shows just, unfortunately, how dangerous the situation is right there, where the team coach has not actually been to the country.” Despite concerns, there is an exemption within the order for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, travelling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously said that the USA will “welcome the world” when the World Cup kicks off. But, as of right now, it seems many fans will be missing out, which completely counteracts the idea that Trump deserved to win the first-ever “FIFA Peace Prize.”
Arsenal have opened talks to sign a Manchester City midfielder in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s young options.
It’s not so often you see players move between Arsenal and Man City, although there have been a handful in recent years.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are two recent examples, but there’s unlikely to be too many in the future due to their Premier League rivalry.
The Gunners are in the market for reinforcements this summer as they aim to build on what was a phenomenal 25/26 season.
The North London club will be hoping to go one better in the Champions League and lift the trophy, but they will also aim to win the Premier League title once again.
City are hoping to keep hold of the 16-year-old talent and have offered him a new contract, believed to be one of the biggest financially for a player his age in Europe.
Parker, described as a ‘powerhouse’, is yet to commit his long-term future to City, which has alerted a number of clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.
The Gunners are set to face competition from a number of clubs, including Premier League sides. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are also keen, while Real Madrid are aware of his situation.
The Midlands club have slapped a £130m price tag on his head, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will get close to that figure.
Arsenal are looking to bring in young talent from around the world, but they will also be looking to add new signings to improve the senior squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side certainly don’t need to panic when it comes to additions for the first team after such an impressive 25-26 season, which saw them win the Premier League title.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Ajax sensation Seun Steur in a deal worth around £20m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies have had a busy window so far after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, while a deal for Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham Hotspur for £100m was completed earlier this week.
That has allowed the club to seal a deal for Bazoumana Toure in attack, while they are also pushing to sign World Cup star Johan Manzambi to bolster their midfield. But they have now moved ahead with a deal for another midfield star to help Eddie Howe.
Manchester United could be in the market for a new defender in the summer transfer window as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.
The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on signing midfielders so far this summer, but they have struggled to get deals over the line.
A move for Ederson appears to be reaching a conclusion, especially now the Brazilian midfielder has been knocked out of the World Cup.
After securing the signatures of some new additions in the middle of the park, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see United move on to different areas of the pitch.
There is no doubt the midfield is a major priority, but due to competing in the Champions League, they will need to reinforce multiple areas.
The Red Devils face competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and they are actively seeking reinforcements in defence.
The Bundesliga club could charge up to £43m to allow Coulibaly to depart this summer. At the age of 19, he’s seen as a potential long-term investment for interested parties.
Werder Bremen are hoping to keep Coulibaly, described as ‘elite’, for another season, whether that be through rejecting any potential bids or inserting a loan-back clause in any deal.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Signing a midfielder has to be a priority
via Reuters
Despite links to signing a new defender, Manchester United have to prioritise bringing in midfield additions in the summer transfer window.
They are yet to confirm a new signing in the middle of the park, and although there is plenty of time remaining, they could continue to miss out on key targets.
With Casemiro already through the exit door and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious injury, United are desperate for midfield reinforcements.
Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson were both key targets for the Red Devils, but they failed to get their signatures as they moved to other Premier League clubs.
