Joan Capdevila, a member of Spain’s historic 2010 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, has been cleared to enter the United States after initially being blocked from traveling visa-free because of a past visit to Iran, The Post has learned.
The former Spain international received a waiver allowing him into the country after making an urgent public appeal to President Trump on Friday, following the rejection of his ESTA travel authorization, sources familiar with the situation said.
Capdevila, who played defender for the Spanish side that lifted the World Cup trophy in South Africa, is now expected to arrive in New York City on Sunday morning, just hours before Spain face Argentina in the 3 p.m. final at MetLife Stadium, according to sources.
The 48-year-old former football star turned to social media for help Friday after learning he would not be permitted to board his trip to the US under the ESTA program.
“I NEED HELP, @realDonaldTrump!” Capdevila wrote on X.
“I’ve just been told I can’t travel with my children because my ESTA was denied,” he said in the post.
“Can anyone help me with this?” Capdevila continued. “You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this squad to cheer them on.”
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“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
