The US State Department has defended President Donald Trump's expanded travel ban, stating that World Cup and Olympic attendees would support such security measures. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott claimed on Thursday that the restrictions are part of hosting major events safely, though he declined to clarify unclear aspects of the order.
The ban, signed on Wednesday, fully restricts entry from 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen—and partially restricts seven others, such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Laos. It is set to take effect on 9 June, just days before the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
An exception exists for athletes and support staff travelling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events. However, the order does not specify whether the Club World Cup—starting this month in the US—qualifies. The State Department declined to comment, and FIFA also refused to clarify whether it lobbied for the exception.
The vague definition of 'major event' also leaves the Gold Cup, featuring Haiti, in doubt. Haiti is scheduled to play the US in June, but Concacaf did not respond to requests for comment. Additionally, the P-1 visa commonly used by professional soccer players is not explicitly exempted, though specific visa bans vary by country.
MLS currently has Venezuelan players on international duty, including Telasco Segovia and David Martínez, who lack permanent residency. Venezuela plays a World Cup qualifier on 10 June, the day after the ban takes effect. An MLS spokesperson declined to comment on potential immigration issues.
