World Cup champion pleads for Trump’s help in getting into US for Spain v Argentina – UK Times

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for help in getting into the United States for the World Cup final.

Capdevila, who helped Spain secure their only men’s World Cup title in 2010, could miss Sunday’s match after his application for visa-free travel was denied due to a past visit to Iran.

The 48-year-old took to X on Friday night, stating: “I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!”

He said his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application had been rejected. Capdevila also directed a separate message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and tagged the Spanish government’s ministry of sport in his plea.

Capdevila said he wants to be at the game in New Jersey “with all my 2010 teammates” to support the current Spain squad.

Capdevila was a key figure in Spain’s golden era, starting in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands and being part of the squad that won the 2008 European Championship.

His travel complications stem from an exhibition match ten years ago, where he participated in a Spanish La Liga legends team playing against Iranian all-stars in Tehran.

Under US State Department rules, travellers from “visa waiver” countries are typically allowed entry with an ESTA. However, the programme specifies that individuals who have travelled to Iran after 1 March 2011 are ineligible for ESTA and “must obtain a visa prior to travelling to the United States.”

The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the visa waiver programme and ESTA, has been approached for comment regarding the situation.