President Trump's newly signed travel ban prohibits entry to the U.S. from a dozen countries, but there's a silver lining for sports! Athletes, coaches, and support staff traveling for "major sporting events" like the World Cup and Olympics are exempt. The definition of “major” is still under debate, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio making the final call on which events qualify.
Exciting tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup, kicking off on June 14, could draw in athletes from nations on the ban list, like Haiti. Events like the Club World Cup also loom on the horizon, although no banned countries have teams competing this year.
Other upcoming competitions, like the under-19 softball World Cup and world skateboarding championships, may not meet the "major" criteria for exemptions. The evolving guidelines also raise concerns for college sports, where international athletes are common.
Looking ahead, the men's soccer World Cup and the Summer Olympics are on the calendar for the U.S., with Iran already qualified. Quick decisions will be crucial for sporting bodies as they navigate the impact of this travel ban on international competitions.
