18.07.2026 22:00
Former Spanish footballer Joan Capdevila, who was part of the 2010 World Cup winning squad, faced a US obstacle to his dream of watching the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina from the stands. US authorities rejected the former star's electronic travel authorization application in 2016 on the grounds that he played an exhibition match in Iran, prompting Capdevila to call on US President Donald Trump for a solution.
Joan Capdevila, a former left-back and key figure of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup, wanted to travel to the USA to watch the Spain-Argentina World Cup final in New Jersey tomorrow. However, US authorities rejected his Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.
REASON: 2016 VISIT TO IRAN
Capdevila stated that the reason for the rejection was a friendly match he played in 2016 in Tehran, Iran's capital, with the LaLiga Legends team.
According to US rules in effect since 2015, individuals who have visited Iran after March 1, 2011, cannot enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). These individuals must apply for a regular visa. Capdevila's ESTA application was therefore denied.
APPEAL TO TRUMP
The 48-year-old former footballer asked for help in a post on his social media account, addressing US President Donald Trump.
Capdevila stated that he wanted to watch the World Cup final with his children and meet his former teammates, tagging Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the Spanish Ministry of Sports.
FIFA AND SPANISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION INVOLVED
According to Spanish media, the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA have also taken steps to resolve the issue. However, as of the time the news was published, Capdevila's entry permit to the USA had not been granted, and the former star's plan to watch the final from the stands remains uncertain.
WHO IS CAPDEVILA?
He was part of the 2010 World Cup-winning Spanish squad.
He was also a key player in the team that won EURO 2008.
He earned 60 caps for the national team.
During his career, he played for clubs such as Villarreal, Deportivo La Coruña, Benfica, and Espanyol.