On June 17, 2026, Joan Capdevila — a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 — asked former U.S. President Donald Trump for help getting into the United States. The request, made public the same day, shines a light on a visa crisis that could disrupt the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
The Capdevila Request
Capdevila, who played left back for Spain’s golden generation, reached out to Trump directly. Details of the communication haven’t been released, but the former president’s team confirmed the request. The 48-year-old didn’t specify why he needed entry, though his travel plans likely involve World Cup-related events or personal business. The move is unusual: a European football legend turning to a former U.S. leader for a visa fix.
Visa Hurdles for the 2026 World Cup
Capdevila’s case isn’t isolated. The 2026 tournament will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors — players, staff, officials, and fans — to U.S. soil. Visa processing has long been a bottleneck for international events. The U.S. State Department has faced criticism for slow and unpredictable visa approvals, especially from countries with high overstay rates or strained diplomatic ties. For the World Cup, the stakes are higher. Teams need to move quickly, and any delay could sideline players or coaches. Capdevila, a former international, shouldn’t have trouble on paper. But the system doesn’t always work that way.
Immigration lawyers have warned that standard visa interviews can take months. The U.S. hasn’t announced a special fast-track process for World Cup participants, unlike past host nations. That gap leaves people like Capdevila scrambling for back channels.
Political Implications
Trump, who left office in January 2021, remains a polarizing figure in immigration debates. His administration imposed travel bans and tightened visa rules. Now, a World Cup winner is asking him for a favor. The optics are awkward for both sides. For Trump, helping a foreign athlete could be a PR win — or a reminder of his restrictive policies. For Capdevila, it signals desperation. The request also puts pressure on the current administration to address the visa mess before 2026.
What’s Next
It’s unclear whether Trump will intervene or if he even can. The former president has no official role in visa decisions. But his public support could sway attention. Meanwhile, FIFA and U.S. organizers face a ticking clock. The World Cup kicks off in June 2026 — less than a year away. Without a streamlined visa process, more high-profile figures may follow Capdevila’s lead. The question is whether the system can handle the influx without last-minute pleas to former presidents.
