Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila said he was barred from entering the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final because of a trip to Iran nearly a decade ago.
Capdevila said his application for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization was denied, preventing him from traveling to New York with his children to watch Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina.
The 48-year-old said he was devastated to miss the chance to support Spain and reunite with his former teammates at only the country’s second World Cup final.
In social media posts, Capdevila appealed for help from US President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spanish authorities.
He later told Spanish media that US officials linked the denial to his participation in a 2016 exhibition match in Tehran, where a team of former La Liga players faced an Iranian all-star squad.
Under US immigration rules, previous travel to countries such as Iran may affect eligibility for visa-free entry through the ESTA program, although travelers may still apply for a regular visa.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation had invited members of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad to attend the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Capdevila earned 60 international caps and helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2008 before playing a key role in the country’s historic 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph.