President Donald Trump has expressed his thoughts on the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Trump has raised concerns over his controversial tariffs, imposing 25% taxes on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as higher tariffs on other nations. These moves have sparked doubts about the event’s future, with fears of potential boycotts from countries affected by the trade measures.
Trump believes the tension between the U.S. and its neighbors could make the tournament “more exciting,” despite political strains. The tariffs and other political decisions have raised concerns among sponsors, some of whom may reconsider their involvement. Additionally, countries on Trump’s proposed travel ban list, including Iran, could face difficulties participating in the World Cup. The situation has left the future of the event clouded in uncertainty.
Full visa bans
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Partial visa suspensions
- Belarus
- Eritrea (unranked by FIFA, having not played a game since January 2020)
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia (currently suspended by FIFA)
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Turkmenistan
Countries recommended for partial suspension (countries have 60 days to address concerns)
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominica
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Republic of the Congo
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
