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The United States has reversed course, allowing former Spain defender Joan Capdevila to enter the country for the World Cup final after his application was initially denied.
Capdevila asked President Donald Trump to intervene on his behalf after his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) request was denied.
Travelers from 42 countries, including Spain, are eligible to apply to enter the U.S. without a visa through ESTA.
Capdevila said that his request to enter the U.S. was denied because of a match that he played in Iran 10 years ago. In 2016, a team of La Liga legends, including Capdevila, faced a team of all-stars from Iran in Tehran.
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But in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that Capdevila had arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sunday, July 19, the day of the final.
“On July 18, 2026 CBP received a request to allow Mr. Capdevila Mendez’s admission to the U.S. due to an ESTA ineligibility,” the statement said.
“CBP reviewed the request and on July 19, 2026 Mr. Capdevila Mendez arrived in the United States. He was processed at JFK in accordance with all applicable laws and admitted into the United States.”
Spain will aim for its second World Cup final on Sunday when it faces Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Capdevila played the full match for Spain in its only other appearance in a World Cup final, the 2010 edition when La Roja won the title with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands after extra time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spain World Cup winner allowed to enter USA after initial rejection
