World Cup Winner Capdevila Appeals to Trump After US Travel Denial

Former Spain international Joan Capdevila has appealed to US President Donald Trump for help after claiming he was denied permission to enter the United States ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated World Cup final.

The 48-year-old, who was part of Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup-winning squad, hoped to travel to the US with his children to watch Spain face Argentina at the MetLife Stadium and reunite with his former teammates.

However, Capdevila said his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application was rejected, preventing him from entering the country without a visa.

Taking to social media platform X, the former defender directly called on Trump for assistance.

“I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!” Capdevila wrote, explaining that he had been informed he could not travel to the final with his children because his ESTA application had been denied.

The former Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruña player said he was devastated by the decision, describing how much he had looked forward to sharing the experience with his family and former teammates.

He also appealed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and tagged Spain’s sports ministry, asking if anyone could help resolve the issue.

Capdevila later told Spanish radio station COPE that he believed his travel denial may be linked to a match he played in Iran in 2016.

The former left-back was part of a La Liga legends team that played against Iranian football stars in Tehran. He suggested that this appearance could have affected his ability to receive travel approval.

The White House has been contacted for comment regarding his case.

Capdevila’s situation comes after another football figure faced similar difficulties entering the United States ahead of the tournament.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year, was reportedly denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport. US officials said the decision was linked to alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations.

The upcoming World Cup final will see Spain and Argentina compete for football’s biggest prize at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Spain reached only their second-ever World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final, while defending champions Argentina secured their place after a dramatic late comeback victory over England.

The match will mark the first World Cup final between the European champions and the Copa America winners, with both teams aiming to add another historic chapter to their football legacy.