Donald Trump is reportedly thinking banning visas for one major nation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In less than a year, the 2026 World Cup will get underway, with the major tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The historic competition will be the first World Cup to be take part in three countries, with the US hosting the majority of the matches across 11 different stadiums, including the MetLife Stadium which will host the final on July 19.
A total of 48 different countries will compete in the 2026 World Cup, millions of fans will fly in to support their sides in the biggest event of the football calendar.
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But now, the attendance of fans of one major country has been cast into doubt as US President Trump is reportedly considering banning their visas in the build up to the World Cup.
As it stands, Brazil are joint favourites to win the World Cup next year, alongside France and England, but fans hoping to support the South American side might not be able to travel over for matches in the USA.
According to a report from CNN, President Trump is considering the possibility of banning visas for Brazilians, including during the World Cup.
It is believed to be Trump's hope that doing so would have an impact on Brazilian public opinion against the country's current government, something he has recently influenced with tariff hikes.
Journalist Lourival Sant'Anna claims that some of the increased visa restrictions for Brazilian citizens have already started being implemented ahead of senators' mission to Washington this week.
He claims that the politicians had to deal with much more restricted visas that limited the number of days they could stay in America.
Both FIFA and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are yet to comment on the report, but it is claimed that the governing body is aware of the possibility, but is waiting for further developments before considering taking any action.
They are also said to be considering holding meetings with the Federal Government to resolve any issues regarding potential sanctions against fans in the United States.
Which other countries have been banned from the World Cup?
In June, Trump signed a order that banned travel to the US from several countries, meaning citizens from these nations cannot enter the United States for the foreseeable future.
One of the countries impacted by this is Iran, who became the second team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup back in March.
But, as it stands, the national team will be able to enter the US next summer, but fans and, and potentially the media, will not.
Topics: Donald Trump, Brazil, Football, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup
Ben McCrum