World Cup 2026: Joan Capdevila appeals to US President Donald Trump after travel permit denial
Former Spanish international Joan Capdevila has appealed for help from US President Donald Trump, who says she has been denied permission to enter the US ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
Capdevila, 48, was part of the Spain team that defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.
The retired full-back was hoping to reunite with his former team-mates and watch Spain’s second World Cup final, when they take on Argentina at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday (8pm BST).
Visitors who want to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa must apply for the country’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which Capdevila said was denied.
“I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!” Capdevila posted on X on Friday.
“They told me I couldn’t go to the final with my children because my ESTA was rejected.”
The former Villarreal and Deportivo defender added: “Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there in 2010 with all my teammates and the team to cheer on them.”
“I can’t believe they didn’t let me into the USA and that I will miss such a moment with my children who love football so much.
“If anyone knows how to fix this, I will be forever grateful.”
Capdevila also called on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help resolve his situation and tagged the Spanish government’s sports ministry in his role.
