World Cup
Danger ahead as Donald Trump’s proposed ban could affect 43 countries at the World Cup 2026
Summary:
- * The 2026 World Cup could have a fresh twist if a mooted list from the US State Department is passed
- * The list contains 43 countries whose citizens could be banned from travelling to the United States by Donald Trump’s administration
- * The United States of America is one of the host nations for next year’s World Cup, alongside Mexico and Canada
A Kenyan publication, TUKO News has enunciated the dangers ahead as the qualifying series for the World Cup 2026 is nearing completion. Already, some countries have secured their qualifications.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the most consequential FIFA events of all time. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time ever, which is an increase from the previous 32.
A proposed law could see Donald Trump’s administration restrict the travel of 43 countries ahead of World Cup 2026. Photos by Michael Regan/Chip Somodevilla. Source: Getty Images
It will also be the first time that the World Cup will be hosted by three countries – the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
The other factor to look at is President Donald Trump, who rode into office defiantly last year, beating former vice-president Kamala Harris, to reclaim the position he lost in 2020. Some of Trump’s polices have been considered far-reaching and could have immense repercussions if followed to the letter.
One of the policies includes a proposed travel ban on the citizens of 43 countries. A three-tier list has been drafted of the nations that could be denied entry into the United States. The proposed law is a follow-up of the executive order Trump signed on January 20, requiring increased vetting of any foreigners seeking entry into the country.
Which countries will be affected?
Among the countries in the proposed list is Iran which has already qualified for the World Cup. Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan. which was enough for them to confirm their place as one of the Asian teams. Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time.
Of the 43 in the mooted list, Africa is the most affected with 22 countries. Five-time AFCON winners Cameroon, who are one of the favourites to qualify, lead.
Countries that have already been banned from World Cup 2026
FIFA has already banned three countries from participating in next year’s showpiece. Russia’s ban from many sporting activities continues after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, while Congo and Pakistan have been banned for failure to adhere to FIFA statutes.
Zambia have also been put on a short leash due to the continued interference by third parties in the management of football in that country. FIFA frowns on such interference from state organs, with Kenya bearing the full brunt way back in 2021.
Full list of countries that Donald Trump could ban
New York Times reports that the list, compiled by the US State Department, is not yet final. The White House is yet to pronounce itself on the memo. However, as things stand, this is the list of countries in the list.
Proposed for full ban: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela,
Proposed for Partial visa bans: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan,
Countries Recommended for Partial Suspension: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, DR Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Morocco have become the first African nation to book a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing qualification from Group C with a match to spare.
The Atlas Lions sealed their passage to the Round of 32 following a 4-2 victory over Haiti in Atlanta, capping an impressive group-stage campaign that also included a goalless draw against Brazil and a 1-0 victory over Scotland.
The result ensured Morocco accumulated seven points from their three group matches, guaranteeing progression and making them the first of Africa’s representatives to reach the tournament’s knockout phase.
Morocco’s qualification continues the country’s impressive World Cup pedigree after becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The North Africans have once again demonstrated their consistency on football’s biggest stage, finishing the group phase unbeaten.
While Morocco can now prepare for the Round of 32, the race continues for Africa’s other representatives. South Africa, Algeria, Egypt and DR Congo all remain in contention for qualification, while Tunisia have already been eliminated.
The Atlas Lions will now await their Round of 32 opponents as they bid to extend another memorable World Cup campaign and continue flying the African flag in the knockout rounds.
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Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil romped into the second round of the World Cup as Group C winners with a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, a result that left the Scots relying on other results going their way to progress.
The electric Real Madrid forward opened the scoring courtesy of a Scottish mix-up in the seventh minute and added his second with a header in first-half stoppage time before Matheus Cunha rounded out the scoring on the hour mark.
The comfortable win, which featured the return after a long absence of Neymar, combined with Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti, put Brazil on the road to Houston, where they will meet the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden next Monday.
Scotland, who disappointed their Tartan Army with a timid and error-prone display in the first half, will now hope to advance as one of the eight third-placed teams with the best records over the 12 groups.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Morocco secured their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup despite being forced to come from behind twice before defeating spirited Haiti 4-2 in an enthralling Group C encounter on Thursday.
The Atlas Lions finished level on seven points with group winners Brazil, who cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland, but had to settle for second place on goal difference. The result means Morocco will now face the winners of Group F — Japan, the Netherlands or Sweden — in the first knockout round.
Although qualification was achieved, the North Africans were made to work hard by a determined Haitian side that exited the tournament with renewed respect despite losing all three group matches in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Haiti stunned Morocco after just 10 minutes when an attack involving Josue Casimir and Jean-Kevin Duverne ended with Lenny Joseph’s backheel forcing the ball into the net off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. FIFA later ruled the effort an own goal by the Moroccan goalkeeper, adding to the growing list of own goals at the tournament.
Morocco, however, responded positively. Veteran Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide, making his final international appearance after 15 years of service, frustrated the Atlas Lions with a string of outstanding saves, denying both Ayoub El Kaabi and captain Achraf Hakimi.
The resistance finally broke in the 39th minute when Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss’ cross into the path of Hakimi, who reacted quickest to bundle home the equaliser.
The joy was short-lived as Haiti restored their advantage just four minutes later. Duverne turned provider once again, laying the ball off for Wilson Isidor, whose thunderous strike from outside the penalty area left Bounou helpless.
Morocco’s response was immediate. Captain Hakimi surged down the right following an incisive pass from Sofyan Amrabat before cutting the ball back for Ismael Saibari, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-2. It was Saibari’s third goal in as many World Cup appearances, underlining his growing importance to Walid Regragui’s side.
With the game delicately poised, Morocco finally seized control in the 78th minute. Haiti failed to clear a corner, allowing substitute Soufiane Rahimi to control the loose ball before smashing home from close range despite strong protests from the Caribbean side, who appealed unsuccessfully for a foul.
The Atlas Lions sealed victory in stoppage time when Rahimi raced into the area and squared for 20-year-old Gessime Yassine to tap into an empty net. Haitian players halted, believing the ball had gone out of play, but a VAR review confirmed the goal.
The victory maintained Morocco’s unbeaten run in the tournament and ensured progression to the knockout stage, where sterner tests await. While missing out on top spot in Group C, the Atlas Lions will take confidence from their resilience and attacking quality as they prepare for the next phase of their World Cup campaign.
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