Spain's 2010 World Cup winner Joan Capdevila has been denied entry into the United States just days before the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain are set to face Argentina.
Capdevila revealed that his Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, known as ESTA, had been rejected. The system lets eligible visitors enter the US without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
With the final approaching and no quick fix in sight, the former defender turned to social media for help. He posted on X and tagged US President Donald Trump directly.
Capdevila had planned to reunite with his former Spain teammates from the 2010 squad and watch the current side take on Argentina for football's biggest prize.
The 46-year-old is one of the most respected names from Spain's golden generation.
At the 2010 tournament in South Africa, Capdevila played every minute of Spain's title-winning run. He started all seven matches under Vicente del Bosque as La Roja conceded only two goals across the competition.
He was also the only member of Spain's final starting XI who was not playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona at the time.
The upcoming match between Spain and Argentina is shaping up as one of the biggest in World Cup history.
Argentina are chasing back-to-back titles. If they win, they would become only the third nation to lift consecutive World Cups, after Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Spain are going for their second crown, following their 2010 success.
The final also comes amid concerns over air quality in New Jersey. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted into parts of the northeastern United States ahead of Sunday's showpiece.
FIFA has confirmed it will not move the final despite those concerns.
Capdevila's ESTA rejection has left his travel plans uncertain, and it remains unclear whether he will make it to the stadium in time for kick-off.
Source: Yen Sports