Spanish World Cup winner Capdevila US entry permit denied
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The former Spain defender planned to attend the World Cup final with his children.
- Capdevila believes his ESTA was rejected because of a 2016 legends match in Iran.
Former Spanish international and 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has issued an urgent public plea to US President Donald Trump after his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was rejected, blocking him from traveling to see Spain face Argentina in the tournament's final.
The 48-year-old retired defender had planned to fly to New Jersey with his children to watch La Roja compete in their second-ever final appearance at MetLife Stadium.
International travelers utilizing the US visa-waiver program must secure an approved ESTA prior to boarding, a permit Capdevila says was suddenly denied.
"I need help!"
Taking to social media on Friday, Capdevila expressed his profound shock and dismay at the administrative barrier, tagging the US executive office directly.
"I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!" Capdevila posted on X. "They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied."
The former Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruña icon emphasized how eager he was to join his fellow 2010 world champion teammates in the stands to support the current national team.
He described his disbelief at missing such a monumental sporting occasion with his children, who are avid fans of the sport. Capdevila also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Spanish government's sports ministry in hopes of a swift diplomatic resolution.
¡NECESITO AYUDA @realDonaldTrump !
— Joan Capdevila (@capde11) July 17, 2026
Me acaban de decir que no puedo viajar a la final con mis hijos porque me han denegado el ESTA
¿Alguien me puede ayudar con esto? No sabéis la ilusión que me hacía poder estar allí con todos mis compañeros de 2010 y con este equipo… pic.twitter.com/VH9wakzaH1
The Iranian connection
In a follow-up interview with the Spanish radio network COPE, Capdevila shed light on why his travel authorization may have flagged a security alert.
He noted that in 2016, he traveled to Tehran to participate in a high-profile exhibition match, playing for a "La Liga Legends" team against an Iranian all-star squad.
Under United States immigration guidelines, individuals who have traveled to or been present in Iran -among other designated countries- after March 1, 2011, are generally ineligible for automated visa-waiver clearance via ESTA and must undergo a formal, in-person visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
With kickoff scheduled for Sunday evening, Capdevila is racing against time to bypass the visa wait times and secure passage to New York New Jersey Stadium.
