World Cup chaos after Trump bans visa applications from 15 competing nations
Among the 15 affected nations is footballing stalwarts Brazil, who have won the tournament more times than anyone else
The 2026 World Cup in North America has been thrown into chaos after Donald Trump froze visa applications from 15 competing nations for the footballing showpiece.
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An internal memo from the US State Department shows that officials have been directed to deny visas from 75 different countries, including 15 with teams competing at the World Cup beginning in June.
The US is co-hosting the tournament with its neighbours Mexico and Canada.
Among the 15 affected nations is footballing stalwarts Brazil, who have won the tournament more times than anyone else.
Brazil even clinched the title the last time it was held on American soil in 1994.
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Scotland, who will be appearing in their first World Cup finals since 1998, have seen all three of their group opponents slapped with the measure.
Brazil, Morocco and Haiti have all found themselves on the list of nations affected by the measure,
According to the memo, the measure is temporary as the Trump administration seeks to beef up vetting procedures for applicants.
Algeria, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay and Uzbekistan are the other nations affected by the bombshell plans.
If the ban persists until the tournament, games could be hit with empty stadiums with very few supporters cheering on their national teams.
The freeze is set to be implemented on January 21, and directs officials to deny visas applicants who will need to rely on public benefits upon entry to the US.
Officers are also instructed to weigh a variety of factors for applicants, including health, age, and English proficiency.
"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people," State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.
"Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."
The pause comes amid Trump deliberating options to strike Iran, another competitor at the summer's tournament, following a crackdown on protests by the Islamic regime.
World Cup nations hit by Trump's visa ban
Brazil
Morocco
Haiti
Algeria
Cape Verde
Colombia
Cote d'Ivoire
Egypt
Ghana
Iran
Jordan
Senegal
Tunisia
Uruguay
Uzbekistan