Joan Capdevila, a defender who was part of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad, has publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied entry into the United States to attend the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Capdevila, 48, stated on X, formerly Twitter, that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was denied, preventing him from traveling to the U.S. with his children for Sunday's match. ESTA allows citizens from 42 countries, including Spain, to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, but travel to certain countries can lead to denial.
According to Spanish media reports, the denial of Capdevila's entry stems from his participation in a 2016 match between former La Liga players and an Iranian team in Tehran. Capdevila expressed his disappointment, stating his excitement to be with his 2010 teammates and watch the final, and that he could not believe he would miss this moment with his children who share his passion for football.
The U.S. has been implementing stricter entry requirements for foreign visitors, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Current regulations require all foreign visitors attending World Cup matches to meet existing U.S. entry requirements, including obtaining ESTA approval or securing a visa if necessary.
Capdevila played 15 seasons in Spain's La Liga. He had hoped to join other members of the 2010 Spanish team at MetLife Stadium to support the current squad against Argentina. He pleaded for assistance from anyone who might know how to resolve the situation.
The New York Post has reached out to Trump, Capdevila, and the State Department for comment.