What Countries Are Banned from the 2026 World Cup?
Several nations that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are facing travel restrictions to the United States, meaning their supporters will be unable to attend matches on American soil this summer.
The restrictions were introduced by US President Donald Trump and came into force on 1 January 2026. According to the White House, the measures are intended to protect national security. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Which Countries Face a Full Ban?
Two qualified World Cup nations are subject to complete travel restrictions to the United States:
- Haiti
- Iran
Fans from both countries will be unable to enter the US, effectively preventing them from attending any World Cup matches played on American territory.
Which Countries Face Partial Restrictions?
Two further nations have partial travel restrictions in place:
- Ivory Coast
- Senegal
The scope of partial restrictions may vary, and supporters from these countries are advised to check their individual eligibility before making any travel plans.
Can the Teams Still Compete?
Yes. The travel bans apply to general visitors and fans — not to athletes competing in major international sporting events. Players, coaching staff, and team officials from all affected nations will still be permitted to enter the United States and take part in the tournament. Lawful permanent US residents, many existing visa holders, and diplomats are also exempt from the restrictions.
Could More Countries Be Added to the List?
The situation remains fluid. President Trump has issued warnings to several additional nations amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Among the 2026 World Cup qualified countries, both Colombia and tournament co-host Mexico have received such warnings. Whether these escalate into formal travel bans ahead of the tournament has yet to be confirmed.
With the World Cup less than six months away, any further developments in US travel policy could have significant implications for fans planning to make the trip to North America this summer.