World Cup winner Capdevila denied US entry before final
Joan Capdevila, a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, says his application to enter the United States for Sunday’s final has been denied and he has asked President Donald Trump for help. The 48-year-old retired full-back intended to watch Spain face Argentina at MetLife Stadium with his children and reunite with his 2010 team-mates.
Capdevila posted on X on Friday: “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.” He also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain’s ministry of sport, writing: “Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 team-mates 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,” Capdevila added. “If anyone knows how to fix this, I’ll be grateful to you for life.” Visitors travelling to the US for up to 90 days without a visa must receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which he says was rejected.
Possible reason for the denial
In an interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Capdevila said he believes the denial relates to a match he played in Iran in 2016. The 2008 European Championship winner was part of a La Liga legends side that faced Iranian all-stars in Tehran. The White House has been contacted for comment.
Not an isolated case
Capdevila is not the first high-profile person blocked from entering the US for the tournament. Somali referee Omar Artan was dropped from officiating last month after being refused entry at Miami International Airport on 8 June, with US officials citing his “association with suspected members of terror organisations”. Artan had been named the 2025 Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year.
Final sets European and South American champions against each other
Spain reached only their second World Cup final by beating France 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday. Reigning champions Argentina, three-time winners, secured a second straight final by coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday. Sunday’s kickoff at MetLife Stadium is set for 20:00 BST, and the match will be the first World Cup final between the European champions and the Copa America winners.