Back to the International Newsfeed

U.S. travel ban could affect chances of hosting 2026 World Cup - FIFA chief

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated Donald Trump's controversial travel ban could prevent the United States from hosting the World Cup.

The United States is favourite to win the right to host the 2026 World Cup, either on its own or in a cross-border bid with either, or both, Mexico and Canada.

But President Trump on Monday signed a new executive order banning immigration from six Muslim-majority countries, which could have implications for the nation's ability to host football's biggest tournament -- and the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games which Los Angeles is bidding to stage.

Infantino said in London on Thursday: "When it comes to FIFA competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup.