sports
Former Spain player denied U.S. entry under ESTA rules after 2016 Iran trip
Joan Capdevila, a defender on Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning team, was denied an ESTA to enter the United States. The 48-year-old posted on X requesting assistance from President Trump after the denial linked to his 2016 travel to Iran.
Jul 18, 6:43 AM·1m read4 sources
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New York PostAudio version
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Capdevila learned he could not travel with his children after his ESTA application was rejected on the basis of a 2016 match he played in Tehran between former La Liga players and an Iranian team. The 48-year-old posted on X on Friday asking President Trump for assistance with the matter.
He had intended to attend the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with fellow members of the 2010 squad.
ESTA allows citizens of 42 countries including Spain to enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, though travel to nations such as Iran can result in denial under the program's rules. The United States has tightened entry requirements for some foreign visitors ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Capdevila played every minute of Spain's 2010 World Cup campaign and appeared in 15 La Liga seasons.
No official response has been issued by U.S. authorities regarding the denial. The New York Post reached out to President Trump, Capdevila and the State Department for comment.
