Context:

The United States is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, raising questions about the impact of President Donald Trump's new travel ban on these events. The ban, which restricts entry for citizens from 12 countries and imposes partial constraints on seven others, includes exemptions for athletes participating in these major events. Despite assurances from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizers and guarantees from the federal government, there is uncertainty regarding other sporting events not clearly defined in the exemption criteria. Concerns persist about the participation of fans from banned countries and the status of athletes currently working in the U.S. from these nations. Past experiences with travel bans under Trump's first term, which affected athletes and events, contribute to ongoing apprehension and calls for further clarification from U.S. authorities and international sports organizations like FIFA and the IOC.

Dive Deeper:

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games in the U.S. face potential impacts from a new travel ban by President Trump, which fully restricts entry from 12 countries and partially from seven others under security concerns.

• Exemptions in the travel ban allow athletes and essential personnel for major sporting events to enter the U.S., with federal assurances supporting the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, yet leaving other events with ambiguous status.

• Organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics express confidence in federal cooperation to facilitate the event, but uncertainties about the travel ban's criteria for exempting other major sporting events persist.

• The participation of fans from banned countries is not exempt, potentially disadvantaging teams from these nations due to the absence of fan support, while visa processing delays exacerbate concerns.

• Athletes from banned countries currently playing in U.S. leagues face uncertainty regarding their ability to return if they travel abroad for competitions, with sports organizations seeking clarity from the government.

• Previous travel bans during Trump’s first term hindered foreign athletes and events, stirring fears of similar disruptions now, as international sports bodies like FIFA and IOC await further guidance from U.S. authorities.

• The lack of clear guidelines on what qualifies as a 'major sporting event' under the travel ban exemptions raises questions about the status of other international competitions and training camps held in the U.S.