FIFA has issued a statement with their ‘final decision’ after President Trump banned 15 of the qualifying countries from entering America, despite co-hosting the tournament this year.

It was back in 2018 when the decision was made that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

But it’s safe to say a lot has happened in those last eight years.

Between a global pandemic, conflicts across the world, and numerous natural disasters, it’s safe to say that society has shifted somewhat.

Just this year, tensions between the US and other parts of the world have reached heights that are almost unheard of, specifically between close allies.

And President Trump took things to a whole new level, when he decided to ban numerous countries, 75 in total, from entering the US indefinitely.

Why did Trump ban so many countries from entering the US?

The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal immigration across America in recent months – a move which has sparked much backlash from US citizens.

Not only has the President now banned certain countries from entering, but he has also deployed ICE to states where he believes a crackdown is necessary.

As a result, two US citizens, 37-year-old mom-of-three Renee Good and intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, have been killed at the hand of ICE officers while protesting.

It seems Trump has imposed the 75 countries ban as another measure to stop illegal immigration to the US.

According to the government, the freeze targets applicants that officials deem likely to become a ‘public charge’ – people who they believe may rely on government benefits.

Has the President done this before?

Unsurprisingly or not, it’s not the first time Trump as President has imposed an enormous travel ban.

During his first-term, he introduced a ban which imposed restrictions on seven of the 49-Muslim majority countries across the world.

These bans were later revoked by former President Joe Biden.

In June 2025, this time during his second term, Trump banned a further 12 countries from entering the US.

But Trump has now escalated things massively, and just before his country jointly hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact on the FIFA World Cup?

Of the 75 countries affected by the travel ban, 15 have already qualified to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which could stir some serious problems.

The pause has been in effect as of January 21, and The White House has stated that it will ‘remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.’

The situation presents many questions about whether the fans, teams, staff, or anyone else related to the tournament, will be able to travel to the US.

Following confusion, the US State Department clarified that the restrictions apply specifically to immigrant visas only.

It was later confirmed that the ban does not extend to nonimmigrant visas, which include categories for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals traveling for the World Cup.

However, with the presence of ICE felt across America like never before, the announcement has created considerable uncertainty and anxiety among supporters who were planning to make the journey.

Which countries are banned?

Of the 75 countries that were placed under the ban, 15 are set to compete in the world-class football tournament.

The affected nations include Uzbekistan, Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

While many of the countries are placed on an immigration ban, fans from Haiti and Iran, however, are completely banned from entering the US, with partial restrictions on Senegal and Ivory Coast too.

Hosting alongside Mexico and Canada, the United States are set to host 78 of the 104 matches during the summer competition.

What is FIFA’s ‘final decision’

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), a regional body under FIFA, have ultimately made a ‘final decision’ about Senegal’s participation in the tournament.

Their was controversy around the team during the AFCON final, after a questionable penalty was given to Morocco during a match.

They later came back, the penalty was saved, and Senegal went on to win the game.

While CAF’S disciplinary committee are said to be weighing up a ‘final decision’ on what sanctions it may impose on Senegal, they stated that their position in the FIFA World Cup is not at risk.