U.S. immigration ban casts shadow over MLS, NBA, NFL and MLB: every player from banned countries
Trump’s expanded travel ban creates confusion for international players in U.S. leagues and upcoming global soccer events.

It’s a turbulent time in the United States. Immigration raids are sweeping the country, sparking protests that have led to numerous arrests, injuries, and property damage. The White House’s trade policies are straining international relations and, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs, could be steering the economy toward another recession.
The Trump administration is tightening restrictions even on international students and legal residents with Green Cards. While federal courts debate the reach of the president’s executive orders, the country appears deeply divided - politically and socially.
The U.S. to host Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup and Gold Cup
Amid all this unrest, sports are not immune. The U.S. is set to become a global hub for soccer over the next few years, hosting major events like the FIFA Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. On paper, the country presents itself as open to the world - in practice, that openness is under question.
Donald Trump expands travel ban
In early June, President Donald Trump reissued and expanded the controversial 2017 travel ban. The updated executive order now targets 12 nations labeled as “security threats”: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, partial restrictions were placed on visitors from seven more countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The order technically allows for exemptions - including athletes and legal residents - under specific visa types and guidelines. Participants in events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games, and “other competitions approved by the State Department” are supposed to be exempt. However, the order does not specifically mention the 2025 Gold Cup or Club World Cup, both scheduled to take place in the U.S.
And that’s where the confusion begins.
How many professional athletes from banned countries play in U.S. leagues?
The revised ban, which took effect June 9 - right as both tournaments get underway - may also affect professional athletes already playing in U.S. leagues. An analysis by AS USA found that 132 athletes from the 19 restricted countries took part in the 2024/25 seasons of the MLS, NBA, NFL, and MLB. Some only played briefly, and others hold dual citizenship, but their status remains unclear.
None of the leagues have commented on whether their players will face issues reentering the country or whether their work permits and legal residency remain valid.
According to the breakdown:
- The NBA had six affected players on rosters this season.
- The NFL had three.
- MLS currently features 18 players from banned nations.
- MLB - by far the most impacted - had 105, primarily from Cuba and Venezuela.
In bold are players from countries subject to a full entry ban to the U.S., with the exception of cases outlined in Section B of the presidential action issued on June 4.
NBA
- Bol Bol (Sudan, Phoenix Suns)
- Skal Labissière (Haiti, Sacramento Kings)
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Dallas Mavericks, (Canada, ties to Haiti)
- Benedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers, (Canada, ties to Haiti)
- Matisse Thybulle (76ers; Australia and Haiti)
- Ariel Hukporti, New York Knicks, (Germany, ties to Togo)
MLS
- Fafa Picault (Inter Miami, Haiti)
- Danley Jean Jacques (Philadelphia Union, Haiti)
- Derrick Etienne Jr. (Toronto, Haiti)
- Yuri Gubolo (Montreal FC, Haiti)
- David Martínez (LAFC, Venezuela)
- Jesús Bueno (Philadelphia Union, Venezuela)
- Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami, Venezuela)
- Daniel Pereira (Austin, Venezuela)
- Josef Martínez (San José, Venezuela)
- Wikelman Carmona (New York Red Bulls, Venezuela)
- Ronald Hernandez (Atlanta United, Venezuela)
- Gustavo Carballo (Orlando City, Venezuela)
- Javier Otero (Orlando City, Venezuela)
- Malachi Jones (New York City FC, Sierra Leone)
- Kei Kamara (Cincinnati, Sierra Leone)
- Isaiah Jones (Nashville, Sierra Leone)
- Kevin Denkey (Cincinnati, Togo)
- Loïc Mesanvi (Minnesota FC, Togo)
MLB
- Venezuela: 77 players
- Cuba: 28 players
NFL
- Lewis Cine (Philadelphia Eagles, Haiti)
- Junior Colson (Los Angeles Chargers, Haiti)
- Mike Sainristil (Washington Commanders, Haiti)
Players from banned countries set to play in Club World Cup
Official squad lists for the 32 teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup were released on June 10. Nine players from banned nations are set to take part. FIFA has stated that all players will be allowed entry into the United States and will not face any issues at customs.
- Fafá Picault (Inter Miami, Haiti)
- Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan, Iran)
- Josna Loulendo (Al Ain, Congo)
- Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo, Venezuela)
- Yeferson Soteldo (Fluminense, Venezuela)
- Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami, Venezuela)
- Salomón Rondón (Pachuca, Venezuela)
- David Martínez (Los Angeles FC, Venezuela)
- Matías Lacava (Ulsan Hyundai, Venezuela)
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