A member of Spain’s one and only World Cup-winning squad, who had been initially barred from entering the United States without a visa due to a past visit to Iran, has now been permitted to set foot on US soil, sources confirmed to The Post.
Joan Capdevila made an urgent appeal to President Trump last Friday, which ultimately resulted in the granting of a waiver for his non-visa entry into the country after an initial denial, insiders revealed.
This ex-Spanish defender, renowned for being part of the celebrated 2010 World Cup team that triumphed in South Africa, is scheduled to arrive in New York City on Sunday morning. He’ll be just in time for the 3 p.m. clash at MetLife Stadium between Spain and Argentina, sources indicate.
Upon learning of his application’s rejection under the ESTA program, the former football icon implored Trump for a reprieve on Friday.
“I NEED HELP, @realDonaldTrump!” the 48-year-old posted on X, expressing his plea for intervention.
“I’ve just been told I can’t travel with my children because my ESTA was denied,” Capdevila said.
“Can anyone help me with this?” he pleaded. “You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this squad to cheer them on.”
“I can’t believe I’m not allowed into the USA and that I’ll miss out on a moment like this with my children — we love football so much.”
It wasn’t clear exactly who ordred the quick reversal on Capdevila’s visa.
ESTA, short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, allows citizens of 42 countries, including Spain, to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, countries like Iran can trigger a denial from immigration officers.
The Spanish national, who played 15 seasons in La Liga, told media outlets in his home country that he believed the decision to ban his entry into the US was linked to his appearance in a game between former La Liga players and an Iranian team in Tehran in 2016.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, the US tightened entry requirements for some foreign visitors.
Foreign visitors traveling to World Cup matches must meet existing US entry requirements, including obtaining ESTA approval through the Visa Waiver Program or securing a visitor visa if required.
Additional reporting by Ella Morrison