NEW YORK CITY (VINnews)-The United States will deny entry to individuals accused of promoting antisemitism abroad who seek to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. special envoy for monitoring and combating antisemitism said.

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the special envoy, announced the policy as a warning ahead of the tournament, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. The Trump administration intends to bar fans, activists or politicians who have fostered antisemitism in their home countries, he said.

“Coming to this country is a privilege. It’s not a right,” Kaploun told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “The president and the secretary of state have made it perfectly clear that people who want to sow discord in this country are not welcome here.”

Kaploun said officials will evaluate cases individually based on whether individuals promote hate or seek to bring discord, rather than imposing blanket restrictions by nationality or team. Entry decisions will be handled through existing vetting processes for visas and travel.

The comments, first reported after Kaploun spoke at a European Jewish Association conference in Brussels, sparked speculation about potential scrutiny for certain European officials or fans. Kaploun later clarified that suggestions of specifically targeting European teams were inaccurate.

The policy reflects broader administration efforts to combat antisemitism. No specific criteria or lists of affected individuals have been released.

Kaploun was confirmed as special envoy in late 2025.

VINnews could not immediately reach the State Department or FIFA for comment.