Africa-Press – Mauritius. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup unfolds under rising political tension as the Trump administration confirms it will uphold its 2025 decree restricting entry to citizens from 19 nations.
The ban targets Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and North Korea. While exemptions cover players, coaches and a narrow circle of officials, thousands of supporters, journalists and extended delegations face near-automatic exclusion.
Nations directly impacted
Haiti and Iran stand out among the restricted countries because both have qualified for the tournament. Haiti’s long-awaited return to the global stage now collides with the frustration of fans who may never reach American soil despite secured tickets. Iran faces an equally severe scenario, with U.S. authorities warning that visa requests from Iranian citizens will be “highly likely to be denied,” intensifying diplomatic strain during a moment when global unity is expected.
The impact reaches beyond supporters. Technical staff, medical teams and analysts from the affected nations risk major logistical setbacks. National federations fear that limited access to their specialists could undermine performance, preparation and coordination for matches hosted across the United States.
FIFA’s search for solutions
FIFA now attempts to bridge the gap between sporting inclusivity and U.S. immigration policy. Discussions include expanding exemptions to cover wider staff categories, relocating certain operations to Canada or Mexico, or negotiating discreet diplomatic channels to secure temporary waivers. These options remain uncertain, leaving federations in prolonged suspense.
With the tournament approaching rapidly, the organization faces mounting pressure to guarantee fairness and participation for all 48 competing teams. The coming months will determine whether football’s largest global event can overcome the political barriers threatening to overshadow its unifying spirit.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
