World Cup 2026: How Donald Trump’s Proposed Ban Could Affect 43 Countries
- 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
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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.
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 passed and 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.
Which countries will be affected?
Among the countries in the proposed list is Iran which has already qualified for the World Cup.
Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan, which was enough for them to confirm their place as one of the Asian teams. Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time.
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.
Gambia is also included. Gambia is special to Kenyans because they are in the same qualification group as Kenya's Harambee Stars. They recently played out to a thrilling three-all draw in Benni McCarthy's first game in charge.
The Scorptions, who are coached by former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry, are, however, already out of the race. They have four points after six games.
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.
Why Zambia risks FIFA ban
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.
"We would like to remind you that each FIFA member association is required by law to conduct its operations independently and free from any interference from outside parties, including governmental Institutions."
FIFA frowns on such interference from state organs, with Kenya bearing the full brunt way back in 2021.
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 proposed 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?
TUKO.co.ke has also reported on the full list of countries that have already qualified for World Cup 2026.
The campaign window will resume in September, but so far so good, four countries have joined the three host nations in securing their place in the tournament.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
