Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup, has addressed the travel ban that threatens to disrupt next summer's tournament.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump announced that he would introduce "common sense restrictions" on travel to the United States that would, in his words, "protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors".
He confirmed that citizens of 12 nations would no longer be allowed into the country, including Haiti and Iran, who have both qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
There is an exemption within the order for "any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, travelling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State".
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But it remains to be seen if any provisions are introduced for fans of Haiti and Iran, although a report from POLITICO has suggested the Trump administration will not grant any special exceptions for Haitian supporters.
Andrew Giuliani, who is part of the 2026 World Cup task force, has now spoken about the two nations that have travel bans ahead of the tournament in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic.
The 39-year-old was asked the following question: "There are a couple of countries (Iran and Haiti) who have qualified and whose nationals have travel bans, which limits the potential for their fans to travel for the tournament. Are you able to lobby for this tournament to be taken into account when the administration is deciding upon all-encompassing travel bans, or is the view that ultimately security, immigration operations and enforcement will always come first?"
As well as addressing the situation around Iran and Haiti, Giuliani confirmed that Trump is "continually looking at everything he can do" to make sure the World Cup is "safe" for everyone.
"It’s both. The overwhelming majority of countries that have qualified, they’ll be able to travel here. A lot just need a ESTA (visa waiver) to be able to come here," he said.
"First and foremost, safety and security is the No. 1 thing when it comes to this World Cup. Every visa decision is a national security decision. That’s key to highlight.
"The president, even in his restricted countries order, still gave an exemption to players, direct support staff and to immediate family for those countries on the list. So specifically, Iran and Haiti right now would still be able to compete while understanding that we want to make sure that this is a safe and secure World Cup.
"I probably won’t comment any more in terms of what countries he could be considering or would not be considering.
"But I do know that he’s continually looking at everything he can do, not just to make this World Cup safe for American citizens, but for all those international visitors who are going to come here, while making it welcoming to all the fans that want to come here to enjoy the World Cup and have an absolute blast."
Earlier this month, Kristi Noem, who is the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), suggested the US is planning to expand the number of countries on the travel ban list to 30.
“I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30. And the president is continuing to evaluate countries,” Noem told FOX News.
“If they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?”
It is unclear which countries will face the restrictions, although exemptions are set to be made to allow players, staff, and families to attend next year's World Cup.
Topics: Donald Trump, FIFA World Cup, United States
Jack Kenmare