What was meant to be the trip of a lifetime for two Benfica fans has turned into a costly heartbreak — all thanks to U.S. immigration hurdles that have grown tougher under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency.
With the Club World Cup just around the corner, some fans are discovering that getting into the U.S. isn’t as simple as booking a flight and grabbing a ticket.
Fans Blocked from Entering the U.S. Before Benfica’s Big Match
Two Portuguese supporters were left disappointed and out of pocket after they were denied entry into the United States just days before Benfica’s Club World Cup debut against Boca Juniors in Miami.
Despite securing tickets and carefully planning their trip, both were denied electronic travel authorisation with no explanation.
Visa Rejections Leave Travelers Confused and Frustrated
One of the fans, Fabio Vasques, who owns a restaurant back in Portugal, said he did everything by the book.
He filled out the standard ESTA form — a required document for travelers from visa-waiver countries — weeks in advance.
But not once, but twice, his application was rejected.
“I did the application three weeks ago and got denied,” he told Portuguese paper JN.
“I tried again, same result. They didn’t tell me why.”
Hundreds Spent, But No Game in Sight
Vasques had booked a flight from Lisbon to Miami, with a stop in Madrid, and bought tickets to watch Benfica take on Boca Juniors at the Hard Rock Stadium on June 16.
With flights costing him €820 (around £695) and match tickets priced at $150 (£118), he now finds himself trying to recover at least part of that money through travel insurance.
The plan was to travel as a group of four and stay with a friend in Miami.
In the end, only two were allowed to enter the U.S., while Vasques and another fan were left behind.
The second person declined to speak about the situation.
What is ESTA and Why Is It Being Denied?
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a $21 form that allows citizens from certain countries to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a full visa.
Applicants are required to provide passport information, travel details, and sometimes even a U.S. contact.
Normally, Portuguese citizens don’t have trouble getting approved.
But immigration lawyers say that’s starting to change under the Trump administration.
Experts Say Denials Are on the Rise
Portuguese-American immigration lawyer Nelson Tereso says this situation is no longer uncommon.
“It used to be rare for Portuguese travelers to be turned away,” he explained.
“Now we’re seeing more rejections as Trump tightens the rules again.”
Many of these restrictions were first introduced during Trump’s previous term.
Now, with his return to office, enforcement has ramped up — and the impact is being felt by tourists and sports fans alike.
Political Tension Casts a Shadow Over the Club World Cup
The lead-up to the Club World Cup has been dominated not just by football chatter, but by growing anxiety over U.S. immigration policies.
Riot police, ICE agents, and National Guard units have been deployed in cities like Philadelphia and Los Angeles amid widespread protests over immigration raids.
Adding to concerns, a recent post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection hinted that agents would be “suited and booted” at matches, sparking fears that fans could be targeted.
Though the post was quickly deleted, it left many unsettled.
FIFA Tries to Calm Fears, But Doubts Linger
FIFA has tried to reassure fans, saying they don’t anticipate immigration enforcement inside stadiums.
But for many international supporters — especially those from Latin America and Europe — the fear of being stopped or detained at a match has added a layer of stress to what should be a celebration of global football.