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  The 2026 World Cup might see an innovative change if a proposed list from the US State Department gets approved.
  
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  The list includes 43 nations whose residents might face travel bans to the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s government.
  
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  Next year’s World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States of America, along with Mexico and Canada.
  

The 2026 World Cup is poised to become one of the most significant FIFA events in history. This competition will mark the debut of 48 participating teams, marking a rise from the former limit of 32.

This will mark the first instance where the World Cup is jointly hosted by three nations—the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.

Another aspect to consider is President Donald Trump, who made a bold entrance into his term last year, defeating former Vice-President Kamala Harris to regain the presidency he had previously lost in 2020. Several of Trump’s policies have been deemed extensive and might lead to significant consequences if implemented precisely as proposed.

A policy under consideration involves imposing a potential travel restriction on individuals from 43 different countries. Officials have created a tiered ranking system for these nations, which may result in their citizens being barred from entering the U.S. This suggested legislation builds upon an executive order issued by President Trump on January 20, mandating stricter screening procedures for all foreign nationals wishing to enter the nation.

What nations will experience impacts?

In the suggested lineup, Iran stands out as they have already secured their spot in the World Cup. Two goals from Mehdi Taremi helped earn a draw with Uzbekistan, ensuring their position among the top Asian teams. This marks Team Melli’s appearance at the world’s largest football event for the fourth time consecutively.

Out of the 43 countries mentioned in the proposed list, Africa has the highest number with 22 nations impacted. Cameroon, which holds the title as five-time champions of AFCON and is considered among the top contenders for qualification, tops the list.

Nations That Have Already Been Excluded From The 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA has already disqualified three nations from taking part in the upcoming major event. Russia remains excluded from numerous sports events following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, whereas Congo and Pakistan have been barred due to their non-compliance with FIFA regulations.

Due to ongoing interference by external entities in Zambia’s football administration, the nation has faced significant restrictions. FIFA disapproves of such interventions from government bodies; this was exemplified when Kenya experienced similar consequences as early as 2021.

Complete roster of nations from which Donald Trump might prohibit entry

The New York Times has reported that the roster, put together by the U.S. State Department, isn’t finalized just yet. The White House hasn’t commented on the memorandum either. Nevertheless, based on current information, these are the nations included in the list.

Suggested for complete prohibition: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela

Suggested for Limited visa restrictions: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan,

Nations Subjected to Partial Suspension Recommendation: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

What nations have secured their places in the World Cup 2026?

LFHCK ID.co.ke

has also provided coverage of the complete roster of nations that have secured their spots in the World Cup 2026.

The campaign window will reopen in September, however, things are progressing well as four additional countries have secured their spots alongside the three host nations.