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Spain's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina have been overshadowed by an unexpected off-field controversy after one of the country's 2010 World Cup-winning stars revealed that he has been denied entry into the United States.
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Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila, who was part of the historic squad that lifted La Roja's maiden World Cup title in South Africa, claimed that his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application had been rejected. The ex-left-back was due to travel with his children to watch Spain take on Lionel Messi's Argentina in Sunday's blockbuster final, but now fears he could miss the occasion entirely.
Also Read: Explained: Why FIFA World Cup champions are handed a replica instead of the original trophy
Joan Capdevila appeals to Donald Trump after US entry denial
Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Capdevila made a public appeal to US President Donald Trump, hoping someone could help resolve the issue before the World Cup final.
The former Spain international said he had been informed that he could not travel to the United States because his ESTA application had been denied, despite planning to attend the final alongside his children.
Capdevila wrote that he was devastated at the prospect of missing the match and the opportunity to reunite with his fellow members of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad.
He added that he could not believe he would be prevented from entering the United States for such a significant occasion and appealed to anyone who could assist in resolving the situation, saying he would remain grateful for life.
“I NEED HELP @realDonaldTrump!
"They just told me that I can't travel to the final with my kids because my ESTA has been denied.
"Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team to cheer them on. I can't believe they're not letting me into the USA... and that I'll miss a moment like this with my kids who love soccer so much.
"If anyone knows how to fix this, I'll be grateful to you for life." Capdevila wrote on X
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows eligible travellers to visit the United States for up to 90 days without requiring a visa, subject to approval.
Capdevila was part of Spain's historic 2010 World Cup triumph
Joan Capdevila played a crucial role in Spain's golden generation that conquered the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa under head coach Vicente del Bosque.
The left-back featured throughout the tournament as Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in the final courtesy of Andres Iniesta's iconic winning goal.
Now, 16 years later, Spain stands on the brink of another historic achievement as they prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
La Roja are chasing their second World Cup title, while Lionel Messi's Argentina are aiming to become only the third nation in history to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Whether Capdevila is ultimately able to secure permission to enter the United States remains to be seen, but his public plea has already drawn widespread attention just days before one of the biggest matches in world football.
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