FIFA World Cup 2026: Former Spain defender Capdevila appeals to Trump after being denied US entry ahead of WC final
New York, July 18
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to US President Donald Trump for assistance after his entry into the United States was denied ahead of the FIFA World Cup final clash between Spain and defending champions Argentina on Sunday.
Capdevila said he was hoping to reunite with his 2010 World Cup-winning teammates and support the current Spain squad but expressed disappointment at missing the occasion. ESTA approval is mandatory for eligible travellers seeking visa-free entry to the US.
"I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump. They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied. Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on. I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much. If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life,' Capdevila wrote in a social media post.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time).
Spain have justified that faith with an impressive run to the final, recovering from their opening draw with Cape Verde to win six consecutive matches. La Roja have conceded just one goal in the tournament and arrive in the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals.
Spain head into the final aiming to secure their second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their historic triumph in 2010, while Argentina are bidding to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the trophy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is ridiculous! The man won the World Cup for Spain and they can't let him in for the final? ESTA denials happen to ordinary Indians all the time, but for a football legend? Trump better fix this - though honestly, with all the chaos in US immigration lately, I'm not holding my breath. 😤
As an American, I'm embarrassed. Our visa system is a mess - Capdevila is a sports icon, not a security threat. But honestly, this is what happens when you put politics over common sense. Hope he gets to see his kids watch the final live. 🏆
Trump ki government mein aise hi hota hai - strict rules for everyone! But Capdevila should have applied for proper visa instead of relying on ESTA. Still, it's heartbreaking for his kids. Spain will win without him though - they're playing like champions! 🇪🇸⚽
This is exactly why I tell my Indian friends to always get a proper visa for the US. ESTA denials can happen to anyone - even World Cup winners! But seriously, US immigration needs to use some discretion. A former international footballer isn't going to overstay his visa to work at McDonald's. 🙄
Meanwhile, our Indian football team can't even qualify for the World Cup, and here's a champion who can't get in to watch the final! The irony is painful. But seriously, rules are rules - even for celebrities. Though the US should have a fast-track for sports personalities. Vamos Espana! 🇮🇳⚽
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