How Iran visit led to 2010 World Cup winner’s US visa denial

Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has appealed to United States President Donald Trump for help after revealing he was denied authorisation to enter the US ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Capdevila, a member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, said his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application was rejected, preventing him from travelling with his children to watch Sunday’s final.

In an emotional message shared on social media, the former left-back said he was devastated to miss the opportunity to reunite with his former teammates and support Spain.

“They have just told me that I can’t travel to the final with my children because they denied me the ESTA. Can anyone help me with this?” he said.

“You don’t know how excited I was to be there with all my friends from 2010 and with my family to support the Spanish national team. I can’t believe I’m not allowed to enter the USA and miss a moment like this with my children, who love football so much.”

Capdevila also made a direct appeal to President Trump, asking for assistance in resolving the issue.

Explaining why his application was denied, the 47-year-old told Spanish radio station COPE that it was linked to a visit he made to Iran about a decade ago.

“I went to play a game in Iran 10 years ago, and so I’m not allowed into the US now,” he said.

The United States is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain will face Argentina. Capdevila had hoped to attend the match with his family and join his former teammates in supporting La Roja.