World Cup 2026: Could Trump’s Ban Threaten the Participation of 43 Nations?

• The 2026 World Cup might see an innovative change if a proposed list from the US State Department gets approved.
• The list includes 43 nations whose residents might have been prohibited from visiting the United States under Donald Trump's government.
• Next year's World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States of America, along with Mexico and Canada.

The 2026 World Cup is poised to become one of the most significant FIFA events in history. This competition will see an unprecedented expansion as it includes 48 teams for the first time, up from the former limit of 32 participants.

This will also mark the first instance where the World Cup is jointly hosted by three nations: the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.

Another aspect to consider is President Donald Trump, who entered the White House with defiance last year after defeating former Vice-President Kamala Harris, thereby regaining the presidency he had lost in 2020. Several of his policies have been deemed extensive and might lead to significant consequences if implemented precisely as proposed.

A policy under consideration involves imposing a travel restriction on individuals from 43 different countries. Officials have created a tiered list categorizing these nations whose residents might face denial for entering the U.S. This suggested legislation builds upon the executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, which called for enhanced screening procedures for all foreign nationals wishing to enter the nation.

What nations will experience impacts?

In the suggested lineup, Iran stands out as they have already secured their spot in the World Cup. With two goals from Mehdi Taremi against Uzbekistan, they managed to earn a draw, ensuring their position among the top Asian squads. This marks Team Melli’s appearance at the world's premier event for the fourth time in a row.

Out of the 43 countries mentioned in the proposed list, Africa has the highest number with 22 nations impacted. Cameroon, which holds the title as five-time champions of AFCON and is considered among the top contenders for qualification, tops the list.

Nations That Have Already Been Excluded From The 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA has already excluded three nations from taking part in the upcoming major event. Russia remains barred from numerous sports events due to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, whereas Congo and Pakistan have been prohibited for not complying with FIFA regulations.

Due to ongoing meddling by external entities in Zambia’s football administration, the nation has faced significant restrictions. FIFA disapproves of such interventions from government bodies; this was exemplified when Kenya experienced severe repercussions as far back as 2021.

Complete roster of nations that Donald Trump might prohibit

The New York Times has reported that the roster, put together by the U.S. State Department, isn’t finalized just yet. The White House hasn’t made an official statement regarding the memorandum. Nevertheless, based on current information, here’s the list of nations included in the document.

Suggested for complete prohibition: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela,

Suggested for partial visa restrictions: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan,

Nations Subjected to Partial Suspension Recommendation: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

What nations have secured their spots for the World Cup 2026?

.co.ke has also provided coverage of the complete roster of nations that have secured their spots for the World Cup 2026.

The campaign window will reopen in September, however, things are progressing well as four additional countries have secured their spots alongside the three host nations.