Former World Cup Player Seeks Trump’s Help for U.S. Entry
João Capdevila, a defender who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, has reached out to President Trump for assistance in entering the United States. This plea comes just before the anticipated final match in New Jersey, where Capdevila hopes to cheer on his former teammates.
“I need help, @realDonaldTrump!” the 48-year-old exclaimed in a recent post on X, expressing his frustration after being denied visa-free entry to the U.S.
Capdevila explained that he couldn’t attend the finals with his children due to his ESTA application being denied. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows citizens from various countries, including Spain, to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa, though complications can arise if they have traveled to certain countries, like Iran.
He shared with Spanish media that this restriction is linked to a match he played in Tehran against an Iranian team back in 2016. It’s frustrating—he was looking forward to joining the rest of the 2010 squad as they faced defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
“Can someone please help me with this?” he wrote, revealing his excitement at the prospect of sharing this moment with his kids and old teammates. “You can’t imagine how thrilled I was to cheer on this team.” Missing out on such experiences is disappointing, especially for someone as passionate about soccer as he is.
Capdevila expressed disbelief at the situation, saying, “I can’t believe we won’t be allowed into the United States and miss out on moments like this with our kids. We love soccer.” He concluded his message by asking for any advice on how to resolve this issue, stating he would be deeply grateful for any help.
In light of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the U.S. has tightened entry requirements for international travelers, making it essential for attendees to have proper clearance, whether through ESTA or a tourist visa.
Efforts to reach out to Trump, Capdevila, and the State Department for comments on this matter have been made, adding to the public interest in this unusual plea for assistance.
