World Cup 2026: How Donald Trump's proposed ban could affect 43 countries

 

Story by Martin Moses

• The 2026 World Cup could have a fresh twist if a mooted list from the US State Department is passed
• The list contains 43 countries whose citizens could be banned from travelling to the United States by Donald Trump's administration
• The United States of America is one of the host nations for next year's World Cup, alongside Mexico and Canada

The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the most consequential FIFA events of all time. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time ever, which is an increase from the previous 32.

It will also be the first time that the World Cup will be hosted by three countries - the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

         FIFA President Gianni Infantino and USA President Donald Trump. Photo by Anna Moneymaker. Source: Getty Images
The other factor to look at is President Donald Trump, who rode into office defiantly last year, beating former vice-president Kamala Harris, to reclaim the position he lost in 2020. Some of Trump's polices have been considered far-reaching and could have immense repercussions if followed to the letter.

One of the policies includes a proposed travel ban on the citizens of 43 countries. A three-tier list has been drafted of the nations that could be denied entry into the United States. The proposed law is a follow-up of the executive order Trump signed on January 20, requiring increased vetting of any foreigners seeking entry into the country.

Of the 43 in the mooted list, Africa is the most affected with 22 countries. Five-time AFCON winners Cameroon, who are one of the favourites to qualify, lead.

Countries that have already been banned from World Cup 2026

FIFA has already banned three countries from participating in next year's showpiece. Russia's ban from many sporting activities continues after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, while Congo and Pakistan have been banned for failure to adhere to FIFA statutes.

Zambia have also been put on a short leash due to the continued interference by third parties in the management of football in that country. FIFA frowns on such interference from state organs, with Kenya bearing the full brunt way back in 2021.

A proposed law could see Donald Trump's administration restrict the travel of 43 countries ahead of World Cup 2026. Photos by Michael Regan/Chip Somodevilla. Source: Getty Images

Full list of countries that Donald Trump could ban

New York Times reports that the list, compiled by the US State Department, is not yet final. The White House is yet to pronounce itself on the memo. However, as things stand, this is the list of countries in the list.

Proposed for full ban: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela,

Proposed for Partial visa bans: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan,

Countries Recommended for Partial Suspension: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, DR Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

Which countries have qualified for World Cup 2026?

After the hosts (United States, Mexico and Canada) automatically clinched their spot, Japan, Argentina, New Zealand and Iran joined them and are now officially part of the competition.

The campaign window will resume in September.