Travel bans could disrupt teams heading to 2026 World Cup

March 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Visa complications affecting a Caribbean club side have highlighted broader concerns about travel access ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to The Athletic, Jamaican Premier League team Mount Pleasant could be without a significant portion of its squad for a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy in California this week after several players were unable to secure visas to enter the United States.

Up to 10 players are reportedly affected. The club’s squad includes six Haitian footballers, and their applications have been complicated by travel restrictions linked to policies introduced during Donald Trump’s administration.

Sources within Mount Pleasant told The Athletic anonymously that several Jamaican players were also unable to obtain visas ahead of the match.

The situation has raised concerns within the club about their ability to compete effectively.

Sporting director Paul Christie told the Jamaica Observer:
“We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete. But we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best. [This is] not just about brand Mount Pleasant, but this is also about brand Jamaica.”

While some applications have reportedly been denied, delays appear to be the main obstacle. Several visa appointments were scheduled for dates after the match, leaving affected players unable to travel in time.

CONCACAF is said to be working with the club in an effort to resolve the issue.

Wider implications for the World Cup

The case has drawn attention to how similar visa complications could affect international teams when the 2026 World Cup takes place across North America.

Several countries that have already qualified for the tournament including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran are among nations affected by U.S. travel restrictions.

Those policies could complicate travel for players, officials and supporters if matches are held in the United States.

Political tensions have also added uncertainty. Ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has raised questions about Iran’s ability to participate fully in the tournament.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, recently said:
“It is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

Iran did not attend the 2026 World Cup draw in late 2025 after several officials, including Taj, were unable to obtain visas to travel to the event.

Potential impact on participating nations

Haiti are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States, facing Scotland, Brazil and Morocco in stadiums in Foxborough, Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Jamaica could also qualify for the tournament. Their path continues with a semi-final qualifying match against New Caledonia on March 27.

If they reach the finals, similar visa issues could affect travel arrangements for players and staff.

Athlete exemptions likely but not for fans

U.S. authorities have historically granted special exemptions for athletes and support staff participating in major international sporting events, including the Olympics and the World Cup.

Such provisions allow competitors, coaching teams and close relatives to enter the country despite broader travel restrictions.

However, these exemptions generally do not apply to supporters, meaning fans from affected countries may still face barriers if they attempt to attend matches held in the United States.

Sources: The Athletic, Jamaica Observer