In brief
The travel restrictions introduced by President Trump have sparked discussions about how international sporting events will be affected, particularly regarding athletes from the banned countries.
June 5, 2025, 12:31 p.m. ET — Following President Trump's proclamation banning travel from a list of twelve countries, exemptions have been established for athletes, coaches, and support staff aiming to participate in “major sporting events” such as the World Cup and the Olympics. This proclamation sets the stage for a complex classification of what constitutes a “major sporting event.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio is tasked with making the determinations.Upcoming international competitions in the U.S. bring further urgency. Notably, the CONCACAF Gold Cup is set to kick off on June 14 with matches across various cities, including locations in Canada. Teams from banned nations like Iran and Haiti may anticipate restrictions on their athletes' participation. Interestingly, while countries like Chad and Yemen are unlikely to field prominent teams, others, like Cuba and Venezuela, are established on the global stage.These recent developments also raise questions about decisions regarding participation in other events, such as the under-19 softball World Cup and world skateboarding championships — both of which may not qualify for exemptions. Similarly, upcoming marathons in major cities like Chicago and New York will require quick judgments on participants from restricted countries.Furthermore, this ban has implications for college sports, which often feature diverse rosters filled with international athletes. The exemptions provided for key future events, including the 2026 men's soccer World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, highlight the ongoing negotiations around this travel ban's impact.Victor Mather, an experienced reporter at The Times, continues to delve into the intersection of sports and current events as the situation unfolds.
