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Joan Capdevila, a member of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad, publicly appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance with his travel paperwork as he tries to attend Sunday's final against Argentina.
Spain hasn't reached this stage of a men's World Cup since Capdevila lined up at left back against the Netherlands in the South Africa tournament 16 years ago. Luis de la Fuente's squad has drawn inspiration from that championship-winning generation, deliberately stepping back from the high-intensity approach that secured the 2024 European Championship, to navigate smoothly through the North American tournament.
Capdevila had planned to watch his international successors face Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., only to discover that his ESTA — the travel authorization required for visitors from many European countries entering the U.S. as short-term tourists — had been denied.
🚨 ¡NECESITO AYUDA @realDonaldTrump ! 🙏
Me acaban de decir que no puedo viajar a la final con mis hijos porque me han denegado el ESTA 😭
¿Alguien me puede ayuda con esto? No sabéis la ilusión que me hacía poder estar allí con todos mis compañeros de 2010 y con este equipo… pic.twitter.com/VH9wakzaH1
"I need help," Capdevila posted on X, tagging Trump's official account for good measure.
"I just learned that I can't travel to the final with my children because my ESTA was rejected. Can someone help me with this? You have no idea how thrilled I was about being there alongside all my 2010 teammates and this current squad to support them.
"I can't believe they're not allowing me into the U.S.... and that I'll miss such a special moment with my kids, who are passionate about soccer..." Capdevila also mentioned the official account for Spain's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports.
"If anyone knows how to resolve this, I will be forever grateful."
World Cup Final Faces Mountain of Logistical Issues
The situation facing Spain's sole surviving World Cup-winning fullback is just one of countless logistical headaches surrounding Sunday's marquee match.
For supporters already in the U.S., reaching MetLife Stadium could prove to be a considerable challenge. Much attention was drawn in the lead-up to the tournament regarding the steep cost of the 20-minute train ride from New York City to New Jersey. Even with government subsidies, a round trip will set fans back $98.
That amount pales in comparison to the cost of actually securing entry to the stadium. The least expensive ticket for what could be Lionel Messi's last World Cup appearance is expected to surpass $8,000, with prices only likely to climb as the event draws nearer.
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Trump notably remarked that he wouldn't pay some of the prices circulating during earlier rounds of World Cup matches, though the President is unlikely to face any admission fee when he attends Sunday's final. As New York Knicks fans witnessed earlier this summer, any event featuring Trump in the crowd triggers significantly elevated security protocols.
FIFA has already urged fans to arrive at the stadium up to four hours before the 3 p.m. kickoff. After all, there are performances from Tom Cruise and Robbie Williams to take in. Unless he can secure some form of government intervention, Capdevila may be left watching the spectacle unfold from a distance.