Travel Restrictions Raise Concerns for International Sports Events

Thu Oct 23 2025 03:41:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The recent travel ban by the Trump Administration threatens to disrupt participation of athletes from several countries in upcoming major sporting events in the U.S.

As the Trump travel ban takes effect, exemptions for international athletes are unclear, raising questions about their ability to compete in significant sports events like the Gold Cup and World Cup.

As global sports events loom in the United States, recent travel restrictions imposed by the Trump Administration may influence the participation of athletes from several countries. The President’s proclamation, signed this week, includes a travel ban affecting residents from twelve countries but provides exceptions for athletes, coaches, and support personnel attending "major sporting events," such as the World Cup and the Olympics.

What constitutes a "major sporting event" remains ambiguous, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio tasked with determining which competitions will qualify for exemptions. Notably, the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Club World Cup, both starting June 14, are among the competitions that could be impacted. Countries like Iran and Haiti, though not traditionally considered sports powerhouses, may still send athletes to participate.

The Gold Cup, which includes teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, is set to be held across various U.S. cities. It is notable that Haiti has secured a spot in the tournament with matches scheduled in San Diego, Houston, and Arlington, Texas. While players and support from countries on the banned list are currently affected, there are no teams from these nations qualified for the Club World Cup, which will see participation from a broad array of international teams.

As the CONCACAF and FIFA seek clarity on the implications of the ban, international events later this year—such as the under-19 softball World Cup and the world skateboarding championships—will face ambiguity over whether they will meet the government's exemption criteria. For college sports, where many athletes come from abroad, the travel ban's effects could likewise be significant.

Looking ahead, future high-profile events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will take place in the United States in collaboration with Canada and Mexico, introduce added complexity. With Iran already qualified for the World Cup and preparations underway for Los Angeles to host the Olympics, clarity on travel exemptions for international participants will be essential for these anticipated competitions.