Venezuela’s national player Deyna Castellanos canceled two caps. The reason: she lives and plays in the USA – and speaks of fear of not being allowed to return. This also results in questions for the 2025 club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
“The uncertainty of whether you can come back not only makes me, but the players of the entire league great fear”said Castellanos of the AP American news agency. Castellanos is currently playing for Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and was previously under contract with Atlético Madrid and Manchester City in Europe.
The 25-year-old was born in Venezuela in Maracay and played almost 40 caps for the national team. On April 5 and 8, she canceled the two test games against Panama (1-0 and 1: 1). In March, a “red list” of the US government of President Donald Trump was announced with eleven countries, whose citizens should fundamentally prohibit entry into the United States. Among them are countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran or North Korea – and Venezuela.
Zambia did without players from the US league
The African country Sambia nominated four of its players from the NWSL similar travel designs for games in China. Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya by Orlando Pride and Racheal Kundananji from Bay FC remained in the USA. Sambia’s association referred to “Entry restrictions” in the USA without explaining them in more detail.
Neither Zambia nor China are on the list of the new restrictions of the US government, but many foreigners living in the USA are generally faced with the question of the Trump government with the question of whether they should travel abroad to avoid difficulties in returning.
Barbra Banda by Orlando Pride
NWSL: have to find long -term solutions
“As a global league, we are aware of the special pressure that international athletes are exposed to in the current geopolitical climate”the NWSL announced to the “The Athletic” portal. Together with associations and authorities, you sit down for “Long -term solutions” a. The current international play window made it clear that there is a need for this.
Club World Cup 2025 and World Cup 2026: Will fans be able to travel smoothly?
The problem could soon also become relevant for football fans if the 2025 club World Cup in the USA and the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico are due. “We maintain excellent relationships with President Trump and his government”said FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the “Philadelphia Inquirer”.
He remembered “Guarantees that the US government signed at the time of the application”. The United States was awarded the 2026 World Cup during Trump’s first term. The government has “Of course, confirms that the world will be welcome this summer for the World Cup and next summer for the World Cup in the United States”according to Infantino, who most recently met in the FIFA office in Miami with Minister of Justice Pam Bondi and FBI boss Kash Patel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) with US President Donald Trump
In Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018, the World Cup tickets were automatically connected to a visa for the host countries. Fans often travel to the countries without tickets to be part of the tournament. “Of course discussions run”said Infantino, who at least admitted the existence of the problem: “Of course, this brings with it a number of challenges that need to be mastered. We work on it with high pressure.”
There is not much time: the club World Cup starts on June 14th. Further sporting events will follow: In 2028, the Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, and in 2031 the women’s football World Cup is to be held in the United States.