Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila denied US entry ahead of World Cup final

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila denied US entry ahead of World Cup final, prompting travel, legal and federation concerns.

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila denied US entry ahead of World Cup final
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Publish: 19.07.2026
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Former Spain international Joan Capdevila said he was denied an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the United States ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, preventing him from attending the match with his children.

Capdevila, 48, who played in Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning side, posted on X that his ESTA application was refused and appealed publicly for assistance to US President Donald Trump and others to resolve the matter.

He told Spanish radio station COPE he believed the refusal related to a 2016 match he played in Tehran as part of a La Liga legends team that faced Iranian all-stars.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Capdevila’s statement notes an ESTA denial that he links to a 2016 match in Iran. He publicly requested help from the US president and referenced Spanish sports authorities in his post. His denial follows reports of other high-profile individuals refused US entry during the tournament period.

BBC Sport has contacted the White House for comment.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Joan Capdevila was refused ESTA to enter the United States before the World Cup final.
  • Capdevila appealed publicly on X and asked US officials, including the president, for help.
  • He said the refusal may be linked to a 2016 match he played in Tehran.
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Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
A digital news platform delivering developments in Türkiye and the world to its readers with an objective and principled perspective. Liberal TR Haber Merkezi.
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