With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it looks like the tournament may be influencing more than just national team strategies. Rumors are starting to swirl that Donald Trump—yes, that Trump—might be shifting his stance on something you’d never expect: his infamous travel bans.
It sounds wild, but the timing couldn’t be more perfect. As the U.S. prepares to welcome fans from around the globe, there’s buzz that Trump, now the frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race, is considering a more “open-door” approach for certain countries. And it’s all because of one thing: soccer.
Let’s dig into why the World Cup might be the one thing that gets Trump to play nice—for once.
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Flashback to the Travel Bans
Back in 2017, during his first term, Trump introduced a controversial series of travel restrictions that targeted citizens from several countries, mostly from the Middle East and Africa. The move drew international backlash and sparked protests at airports across the U.S.
Whether you supported it or hated it, the travel ban became one of the defining moments of his presidency—and a symbol of his tough-on-immigration policy.
But here we are in 2025, with Trump eyeing a comeback and the world’s biggest sporting event landing on American soil. Suddenly, there’s talk of loosening up. What gives?
The Power of the World Cup
Let’s not kid ourselves: the 2026 World Cup is going to be massive. It’s the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32, and the U.S. is hosting the lion’s share of the matches. Cities like New York, LA, Atlanta, and Dallas will be buzzing with fans, players, press, and global attention.
And Trump? He lives for attention.
Being president during such a high-profile event could offer a rare chance to show a different side—maybe even a “presidential” side—on the world stage. Loosening entry rules to allow fans, journalists, and even national teams from countries that have historically been affected by travel bans? That could look like a diplomatic win. Or at least a photo op!
Is This About Football, or Optics?
According to a few whispers from political insiders (you know, the kind who always seem to know too much), Trump’s team is seriously weighing the optics. If a country qualifies for the tournament, but its citizens can’t get visas to attend matches or support their team, it’s a PR disaster waiting to happen!
It’s not hard to imagine the headlines: “World Cup Fans Denied Entry to U.S. Over Old Ban Policies.” Not exactly the welcome party FIFA is hoping for.
And if you think Trump doesn’t care about PR—think again. He’s built a career on image, headlines, and commanding the spotlight.
Trump and Sports: A Complicated Relationship
Trump’s history with sports has always been… colorful! From his feuds with NFL players to his awkward love for college football teams (complete with fast-food feasts at the White House), he’s no stranger to using sports as a political tool.
Hosting the World Cup would be next-level. Imagine the cameras rolling as Trump walks onto the pitch during an opening ceremony, flags waving, fans cheering. It’s the kind of moment his campaign could turn into a montage before you even finish your popcorn.
So if easing a few restrictions means getting that perfect shot, don’t be surprised if he suddenly starts sounding more “welcoming” than usual.
Not Everyone’s Buying It
Of course, critics are already raising eyebrows. Some say any temporary change in travel policy would be nothing more than a publicity stunt—an attempt to rebrand without actually changing anything meaningful.
One immigration advocate put it bluntly: “If you can suspend a ban for a football tournament, what does that say about the policy in the first place?” Fair point!
The idea of selectively allowing people in just because there’s a global spotlight doesn’t exactly scream “fairness.” It suggests the rules are less about safety and more about strategy.
The Global Stage, U.S. Politics
Let’s not forget what the World Cup really is: a massive soft-power event. It’s not just about goals and trophies—it’s about how nations present themselves to the world.
For Trump, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to reframe his image. He could go from “the wall guy” to “the host guy”—at least temporarily. And it wouldn’t require much: just a few waivers here, some relaxed policies there, and voilà—he’s the smiling face of American hospitality.
But let’s be real. Any shift would likely be calculated, limited, and timed perfectly for maximum political benefit. We’re not talking about a total 180 on immigration here.
What Happens If Biden Stays?
It’s worth noting: all of this only matters if Trump wins in 2024.
If Joe Biden secures a second term, travel bans likely remain off the table entirely. His administration scrapped them early on, and they’ve made it clear they’re not interested in bringing them back.
But if Trump retakes the White House in January 2025, that gives him more than a year to shape U.S. policy before the first whistle blows.
Final Thoughts
So, is Trump really going to roll back parts of his travel ban for the 2026 World Cup?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But the fact that it’s even being discussed shows how powerful this event really is. The World Cup has a way of making politics, business, and sports collide—and sometimes, just sometimes, it forces even the most hardline leaders to bend a little.
Trump has always played by his own rules. But with the eyes of the world on the U.S., and millions of passionate fans expected to flood in from every continent, he may just decide that building bridges—if only temporarily—looks better than building walls.
Let’s see what the beautiful game can do.
