Will Brazilian Soccer Fans Be Banned From the 2026 World Cup?

Photo by Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0 (Ronnie Macdonald)
Key Takeaways
- A CNN report claims President Trump is considering a ban on Brazilian visas.
- A ban on Iranian visas was enacted in June
- Brazil is viewed as a top-four favorite to win the 2026 World Cup
It appears that Brazilian soccer fans may be forced to stay home for the 2026 World Cup.
US President Donald Trump is considering a ban on visas from Brazil ahead of the international tournament, according to a report from CNN. The move comes as tensions rise between the two countries, and restrictions are already being put in place as a result.
The ban would not affect the players or coaches, meaning the team would still be allowed to participate.
It appears that Brazilian soccer fans may be forced to stay home for the 2026 World Cup.
US President Donald Trump is considering a ban on visas from Brazil ahead of the international tournament, according to a report from CNN. The move comes as tensions rise between the two countries, and restrictions are already being put in place as a result.
The ban would not affect the players or coaches, meaning the team would still be allowed to participate.
Iranian Visas Banned in June
Brazil is not the first country to feel the wrath of the White House. In June, the President announced a ban on all visas from Iran. He cited security risks over the conflict with Israel for the ban, though the national team will still be allowed to compete. The ban could be lifted ahead of the tournament, but would likely require significant concessions from the Iranian government.
Iran’s ban shows that the reports about Brazil should be taken seriously. While the country sends far more fans to the tournament than Iran, time will tell if the President risks that lost revenue to send a message.
Brazil Enters as a Betting Favorite
To the surprise of no one, Brazil is once again viewed as one of the favorites to win the World Cup.
Most soccer betting sites have Spain, France, Brazil, and England with the best odds. The team is currently fifth in FIFA’s World rankings and will be seeking its sixth title in North America next summer.
With Brazil fans believing the team has a chance to win its first World Cup since 2002, many were expected to travel to North America for the tournament.
Will Fans Purchase Tickets?
Even if President Trump announces he won’t enact the ban, Brazilian fans still may not be interested in purchasing tickets.
One reason for their hesitation would be the American leaders’ reputation. We have seen him flip-flop on visa bans, tariffs, and other international decisions since taking office earlier this year. That will make it hard for potential visitors to trust the announcement, especially with ticket prices expected to spike.
The good news is that Mexico and Canada will not be enacting any bans on Brazil. That will give fans access to some of the games, but only through the second round of the knockout stage. After that, all matches will be played in the US.
Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
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