US Allows Athletes from Banned Countries to Participate in Major Sporting Events
The Trump administration has identified a list of major sporting events that will allow athletes and coaches from nearly 40 countries, currently under a broad visa ban, to travel to the US and participate. This decision comes as part of the administration’s efforts to balance its strict immigration policies with the need to facilitate international athletic competitions.
In a cable sent to all US embassies and consulates on January 15, 2026, the State Department outlined the specific events that will be exempt from the travel ban. These include the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games, and various events endorsed or run by professional and collegiate sporting leagues and associations. According to the cable, athletes, coaches, and support staff for these events will not be subject to the full and partial travel bans that apply to citizens of the 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.
Exempt Events and Leagues
The list of exempt events and leagues is extensive and includes all competitions and qualifying events for the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan-American Games, and Para Pan-American Games. It also covers events hosted, sanctioned, or recognized by a US National Governing Body, as well as official events and competitions hosted or endorsed by FIFA, the International Military Sports Council, the International University Sports Federation, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
US professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League, are also included in the exemption. Additionally, events hosted or endorsed by organizations like NASCAR, Formula 1, the Professional Golf Association, and World Wrestling Entertainment will be covered.
Travel Ban Details
The travel ban, which was issued by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2026, applies to citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority. A full travel ban is in place for 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria, while a partial ban applies to the remaining 20 countries, including Angola, Cuba, and Venezuela.
It’s worth noting that while athletes and coaches from these countries will be allowed to participate in the exempt events, foreign spectators, media, and corporate sponsors will still be subject to the travel ban unless they qualify for another exemption. As stated in the cable, “only a small subset of travelers for the World Cup, Olympics, and Paralympics, and other major sporting events will qualify for the exception.”
Context and Implications
The Trump administration’s decision to exempt certain sporting events from the travel ban reflects the complex and often conflicting priorities of the US government’s immigration and foreign policy. On one hand, the administration has been working to tighten US entry standards for foreigners, citing national security concerns. On the other hand, it has also sought to ensure that athletes and fans can participate in international sporting events, which can have significant cultural, economic, and diplomatic benefits.
As the US prepares to host several major sporting events in the coming years, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, this exemption is likely to have significant implications for athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world. While the decision may be seen as a positive step towards promoting international athletic competition and cooperation, it also highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities of the US immigration system.
