Trump Travel Ban Clouds 2026 World Cup, Olympics

President Donald Trump's renewed travel ban bars citizens from 12 countries and partially restricts entry from seven more, generating concern over its effect on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The policy exempts athletes, coaches, and essential staff, allowing them and their families to participate, but ordinary fans from the targeted nations cannot attend, affecting the events' global inclusivity. Organizers and U.S. officials say these carve-outs will preserve athlete participation, but uncertainty remains regarding spectator visa policies and the broader impact on attendance. The ban has caused confusion and frustration in U.S. immigrant communities, such as Somali-Americans in Ohio, and has drawn criticism and boycott calls from advocacy groups and some politicians who call it discriminatory. Legal experts predict fresh court challenges against the ban, even as supporters reference prior Supreme Court approvals of similar policies. Despite official assurances, the travel ban casts doubt on the U.S.'s ability to host truly open international sporting events.