Trump US Visa Ban Sports Exemptions 2026: Major Leagues Beyond World Cup Added
The Trump administration expands sports-related visa exemptions for 2026, allowing athletes and coaches from banned countries to enter for major leagues like NFL and NBA.
The wall is getting higher, but the stars are still getting through. The Trump administration just carved out a narrow loophole for the world's elite athletes. According to a State Department cable sent Wednesday, athletes and coaches from nearly 40 countries under travel bans will be allowed into the U.S. for "major sporting events."
Trump US Visa Ban Sports Exemptions 2026: The New List
While exceptions were already in place for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, the list now includes almost every major professional league. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated a massive array of events as exempt, covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The exemption also extends to NASCAR, Formula 1, PGA, and combat sports like UFC and WWE.
The Catch: Fans and Media Left Out
Don't expect the stands to be filled with global supporters, though. The cable makes it clear that foreign spectators, media, and corporate sponsors from the 39 listed countries remain banned. The Trump administration's hard line continues for the general public from nations like Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan, who face full travel bans.
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