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The former player on Spain’s only World Cup-winning team who was denied a non-visa entry to the US to watch his country play in Sunday’s final because he visited Iran years ago has been allowed to enter American soil, The Post has learned.
Following a desperate plea to President Trump on Friday, Joan Capdevila was granted a waiver to enter the county after officials previously denied his request for a non-visa entry to the US, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The former defender who was on the Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, is set to touch down in the Big Apple Sunday morning just in time for the 3 p.m. final at MetLife Stadium between Spain and Argentina, sources say.
The former star begged Trump to show him some mercy on Friday after receiving the news that his ESTA was denied.
“I NEED HELP, @realDonaldTrump!” the 48-year-old wrote on X.
“I’ve just been told I can’t travel with my children because my ESTA was denied,” Capdevila said.
“Can anyone help me with this?” he pleaded. “You have no idea how excited I was to be there with all my 2010 teammates and this squad to cheer them on.”
“I can’t believe I’m not allowed into the USA and that I’ll miss out on a moment like this with my children — we love football so much.”
It wasn’t clear exactly who ordred the quick reversal on Capdevila’s visa.
ESTA, short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, allows citizens of 42 countries, including Spain, to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, countries like Iran can trigger a denial from immigration officers.
The Spanish national, who played 15 seasons in La Liga, told media outlets in his home country that he believed the decision to ban his entry into the US was linked to his appearance in a game between former La Liga players and an Iranian team in Tehran in 2016.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, the US tightened entry requirements for some foreign visitors.
Foreign visitors traveling to World Cup matches must meet existing US entry requirements, including obtaining ESTA approval through the Visa Waiver Program or securing a visitor visa if required.
Additional reporting by Ella Morrison
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