Spanish legend Joan Capdevila appeals to Donald Trump after US entry denied into semi-final / Image: X
Spain’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final were accompanied by an unexpected off-field story after 2010 World Cup winner Juan Capdevila revealed he had been refused entry to the United States and appealed directly to US President Donald Trump for help.Defending champions Spain face Argentina in Sunday’s final at New York, New Jersey, as Luis de la Fuente’s side seek to win the country’s second World Cup title after winning in South Africa 16 years ago. Capdevila had hoped to attend alongside his former colleagues to support La Roja, but says his travel plans are in doubt after his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application was rejected.The ESTA allows eligible travelers to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.Writing on X, previously Twitter, Capdevila made a public appeal to Trump.“I need help @realDonaldTrump!They just told me that I cannot travel to the final with my children because my ESTA application was rejected.Can anyone help me with this? You have no idea how happy I am to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this team cheering them on. I can’t believe that they are not letting me into the United States… and that I will miss a moment like this with my children who love soccer so much.If anyone knows how to fix this, I will be grateful to you for life.”
Capdevila has not publicly stated why his application for an ESTA permit was denied, and there has been no official response from US authorities or the White House regarding his appeal.The former left-back remains one of the key figures in the historic Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup under the leadership of Vicente del Bosque.
Capdevila played every minute of Spain’s victorious campaign in South Africa, helping La Roja build one of the strongest defensive records in World Cup history. Spain conceded just two goals, both during the group stage, before keeping a clean sheet throughout the knockout stages en route to beating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in the final.His importance to the team was reflected in more than just his defensive work.
Equally effective in attack and defence, Capdevila finished in the top 10 of the tournament in terms of distance covered, covering 71.79 kilometers in Spain’s seven matches.He also occupied a unique place in coach Vicente del Bosque’s starting lineup. Capdevila was the only player in Spain’s squad for the 2010 World Cup Final who was not representing Real Madrid or Barcelona at the time, having established himself as Villarreal’s first-choice left-back.
The former Spain international, now 48, retired from professional football in 2017 after finishing his career with FC Santa Coloma.Spain is now aiming to lift the World Cup for a second time, while Argentina is seeking a fourth world title and is trying to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy. Whether Capdevila will be able to witness the occasion in person remains uncertain after his reported travel setback.