The United States has unveiled a list of major sporting events for which athletes, coaches, and support staff will be allowed entry despite a broad visa ban affecting citizens from nearly 40 countries.

According to a notice sent to U.S. embassies and consulates, participants in events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games are exempt from the travel restrictions. The exemption also covers competitions endorsed by major collegiate and professional leagues.

The list includes Olympic, Paralympic, Pan-American, and Special Olympics events, as well as competitions recognized by FIFA and its confederations. Participants in professional U.S. sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, UFC, and major golf and soccer tournaments are also eligible.

The State Department noted that additional events may be added to the exemption list in the future.

However, spectators, journalists, and corporate sponsors from the affected countries remain subject to the ban unless they qualify for a separate exception.

The visa restrictions fully apply to citizens of countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and those with Palestinian Authority passports.

A partial ban affects citizens of Angola, Cuba, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and several other nations.

The State Department emphasized that only a limited group of travelers for the listed sporting events will be eligible for the exemption, highlighting the narrow scope of the policy.