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How The Trump Travel Ban Affects Visitors At Next Year's World Cup

The article titled "How The Trump Travel Ban Affects Visitors At Next Year's World Cup" by Michael Lewis, published on Forbes on June 5, 2025, delves into the implications of the Trump-era travel ban on international visitors planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the travel ban's impact on the event, the potential economic repercussions, and the ongoing legal and political debates surrounding the policy.

The Trump travel ban, officially known as Presidential Proclamation 9645, was initially introduced in 2017 and has undergone several iterations. The current version, which remains in effect, restricts entry into the United States for nationals of several countries, primarily those with significant Muslim populations. The countries currently affected by the ban include Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The ban has been a subject of intense controversy and legal challenges, with critics arguing that it is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to attract millions of visitors from around the world, including many from countries affected by the travel ban. The article highlights the potential logistical and economic challenges posed by the ban. For instance, fans from Iran, a country with a passionate soccer culture, may face significant hurdles in attending the tournament. The ban could prevent them from obtaining visas, thereby limiting their ability to travel to the United States for the event.

The economic impact of the travel ban on the World Cup could be substantial. The tournament is projected to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the host countries, with a significant portion expected to come from international visitors. The ban could deter fans from affected countries, leading to reduced attendance and lower spending on tickets, accommodations, and other tourism-related activities. This could result in a significant loss of potential revenue for the United States, as well as for businesses and communities that are set to benefit from the influx of visitors.

The article also discusses the efforts being made by various stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the travel ban. FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, has expressed concerns about the ban and its potential to disrupt the tournament. The organization has been working with the U.S. government to explore possible exemptions or waivers for World Cup attendees. However, the article notes that progress has been slow, and the outcome remains uncertain.

In addition to FIFA, several advocacy groups and legal organizations have been actively challenging the travel ban in court. The article provides an overview of the ongoing legal battles, including recent rulings and appeals. While some courts have upheld the ban, others have ruled against it, citing violations of the First Amendment and the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Supreme Court has yet to issue a definitive ruling on the matter, leaving the future of the ban in limbo.

The political dimension of the travel ban is another key focus of the article. The ban has been a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with Democrats and some Republicans opposing it on grounds of discrimination and national security. The article discusses the potential for legislative action to repeal or modify the ban, as well as the role of the upcoming presidential election in shaping the policy's future. A change in administration could lead to a reversal of the ban, but the article cautions that such a change may not occur in time to affect the World Cup.

The article also explores the broader implications of the travel ban on international relations and global perceptions of the United States. The ban has been widely criticized by other countries and international organizations, with some viewing it as a sign of hostility towards certain nations and religions. This could have long-term consequences for U.S. diplomacy and its standing in the global community.

In terms of practical advice for potential World Cup attendees, the article offers several recommendations. It suggests that fans from affected countries should begin the visa application process as early as possible, as the process can be lengthy and complex. The article also advises travelers to stay informed about any changes to the travel ban and to consider alternative travel plans, such as attending matches in Canada or Mexico, where the ban does not apply.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution to the travel ban issue before the World Cup. It argues that the tournament represents a unique opportunity for the United States to showcase its hospitality and diversity to the world, and that the travel ban threatens to undermine this potential. The article calls on policymakers, FIFA, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the World Cup can be a successful and inclusive event for all fans, regardless of their country of origin.

Overall, the article provides a thorough examination of the Trump travel ban's impact on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the economic, legal, political, and practical challenges that must be addressed. It underscores the need for a collaborative effort to resolve the issue and ensure that the tournament can proceed smoothly and inclusively.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellewis/2025/06/05/how-the-trump-travel-ban-affects-visitors-at-next-years-world-cup/ ]