US ‘denies visas’ for five players of nation heading to the World Cup

First Iran, now this...

Sport's greatest show on grass is almost upon us with the World Cup just under a month away from kicking off in Mexico City.

This edition the World Cup is a special one too, featuring a new expanded format which will see 48 teams battle it out for ultimate football glory.

However, while FIFA are intent on squeezing more and more teams into the competition - with 64 rumoured for the 2030 instalment - Donald Trump and the US are more intent on kicking them out.

Much of the discourse has revolved around Iran, who are currently engaged in conflict with the US, and have been searching for reassurances from Trump that their team will be able to compete after qualifying over a year ago for the finals.

Meanwhile, they are reportedly still waiting for their squad to be issued visas for the World Cup.

Well, this time the country in question is not Iran, but another Middle-Eastern nation which has previously warred with the United States.

Five players from Iraq have reportedly had their visa applications denied, as per local reports.

One of these five players is Luton Town striker Ali al-Hamadi.

The news was reported by broadcaster and news outlet NTV Iraq via Politics Global.

Since Trump came to office for the second time in the US, he has heavily tightened immigration laws in the country, meaning many nation which are attending the World Cup will be facing stringent visa rules.

Some of these countries include the likes of Iran, Haiti, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire.

Full list of nations going to the World Cup with travel restrictions:

Countries under full or partial U.S. travel bans affecting ordinary visitors and fans:

Haiti

Iran

Countries facing visa-bond or heightened-entry restrictions

Algeria

Cabo Verde

Côte d'Ivoire

Senegal

Tunisia

Countries reported in broader visa-processing freezes or enhanced scrutiny

Iraq

Jordan

Morocco

Egypt

Ghana

Congo DR

Uzbekistan

Uruguay

Colombia

Brazil

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