A potential visa problem has emerged ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, with reports indicating that citizens from certain countries may be asked to deposit bonds of up to 15,000 US dollars to secure entry visas. The issue could affect five qualified nations in particular: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia.
The measure is linked to the United States’ visa bond pilot programme, under which applicants from designated countries may be required to pay 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 dollars, refundable if they respect the terms of their stay. The countries mentioned above are among those included on the published list.
The concern is not limited to supporters. Reports suggest that, unless exemptions are made, the rule could also create complications for players and technical staff travelling under standard visa procedures. FIFA is said to be working with US authorities in an effort to avoid that scenario for participating delegations.
Any exemption for fans appears less certain, which could leave many supporters facing an even heavier financial burden ahead of a tournament already expected to involve major travel costs.
With the World Cup fast approaching, this is now another off-field issue FIFA will want resolved quickly.
