When the Olympics and World Cup come to the U.S., they’re supposed to bring the world together. But under a newly expanded travel ban signed by President Trump, they may also divide it—by passport. As the U.S. readies for global events, athletes and fans from 19 countries face a sobering reality: they might not get in.
The Hidden Cost of Trump’s Travel Ban
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Full or partial visa restrictions now affect 19 countries | 12 fully banned, 7 under tight scrutiny |
| Athletes, coaches, and essential personnel are exempt | Exemptions confirmed for LA28 and 2026 |
| International athletes fear recruitment impact | Especially for soccer, track, and university teams |
The Olympic torch is meant to symbolize unity, not division. But under the current travel ban, it may burn with fewer witnesses. Unless policies shift, the cost of security could be measured in lost dreams and empty stadium seats.
A Ban With Broad Impacts
The travel ban, reintroduced and expanded by President Trump on June 4, restricts travel from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Although it allows for limited exemptions for professional athletes, coaches, and officials, the policy draws a hard line for most fans, students, and aspiring competitors from these regions.
Officials from the LA28 Olympic Committee were quick to reassure the public. “Visa facilitation will be in place for athletes and their immediate teams,” said CEO Kathy Carter, who emphasized that logistical planning with the White House is ongoing. But she also admitted that fan attendance from restricted countries remains a “complex issue.”
Athletes Caught in the Middle
For many athletes from banned countries, the policy casts long shadows. Some are already seeing invitations rescinded and travel plans shelved. College athletic programs have reported difficulty securing visas for incoming talent, especially in track and field.
“I’ve seen Olympic-level potential left on the tarmac because of visa issues,” said a former Division I coach, who worked with athletes from Sudan and Venezuela. “This isn’t about security—this is talent being sidelined by bureaucracy.”
The SF Chronicle reports that women’s soccer clubs like Bay FC and the Valkyries are evaluating whether their international players from Iran and Ukraine can safely travel for matches in the U.S. or return if they do.
Fans Locked Out
While elite athletes may get waivers, fans aren’t so lucky. The travel ban contains no provisions for foreign spectators, many of whom planned to follow their national teams to the World Cup or Olympics.
This especially impacts teams like Iran’s, which has qualified for the 2026 FIFA tournament. Without their fans, the atmosphere in stadiums could feel incomplete. And the economic hit to host cities, which rely on international tourism dollars, could be substantial.
A June 6 AP report warned: “Expect a quieter World Cup unless this policy gets tweaked. Fans are left out of the exemptions.”
Organizers Walking a Tightrope
Both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and FIFA have expressed “concern” over the policy’s timing and scope. According to Reuters, behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing, and there is hope that additional exemptions may be granted before the LA28 Games.
But the road is narrow. Teams are already working with immigration attorneys to navigate waiver processes, while sports agents warn of “reputational damage” that could push top-tier talent to other countries.
A Look Back
This isn’t the first time U.S. visa policy has collided with international sports. In 1980 and 1984, Cold War politics triggered Olympic boycotts and visa denials. The difference now? It’s not nations opting out—it’s America keeping them out.
Moving Forward
For athletes and teams:
- Apply early, and get legal help with visas.
- Stay updated on potential waivers tied to Olympic or FIFA participation.
For fans:
- Lobby national Olympic committees and FIFA for inclusion in exemptions.
- Explore regional matches outside the U.S. if restrictions persist.
For U.S. cities:
- Prepare for lower international attendance—and the corresponding revenue dip.
- Balance security needs with the inclusive spirit of global competition.
