Joan Capdevila, a key member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup‑winning squad, found himself turned away at the U.S. border recently, a setback that has drawn unexpected attention from former President Donald Trump.
The Visa Hurdle
Capdevila’s denial stems from an earlier visit to Iran, a trip that triggered an automatic refusal of his Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the ESTA that normally grants visa‑free entry for many European travelers.
Speaking to The Post, the former full‑back said he had hoped to join his 2010 teammates at MetLife Stadium for the 2026 final, a game he described as a chance to celebrate with his children and honor the squad that still shares a unique bond.
He appealed directly to Trump, asking the former president to intervene and clear a path for him to attend the match, a request that highlights the personal stakes behind the technical visa issue.
The incident comes as the United States has tightened its entry requirements for foreign visitors ahead of the 2026 World Cup, insisting that all travelers meet existing ESTA or visa criteria, a policy that has ensnared several high‑profile athletes and celebrities.
Capdevila expressed a mixture of excitement about the prospect of returning to the tournament and disappointment at the prospect of missing it, noting that the experience would have been a family outing as much as a professional one.
The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have been approached for comment, while Trump’s office has not yet responded publicly to the appeal.