The United States has confirmed that it will waive costly visa bonds for fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Wednesday, addressing concerns that international visitors could face bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, which would have added significantly to the already high travel costs associated with the tournament.
Waiver Details and FIFA PASS
Under a policy introduced in August 2025, citizens from 50 countries were required to post refundable bonds to obtain temporary US visas. However, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar confirmed that the bond requirement is being lifted for qualified fans who purchased World Cup tickets and opted into the FIFA PASS program as of April 15, 2026. She added that the administration had already waived bond requirements for qualifying team members, including players, coaches, and support staff who meet all other entry requirements.
Fast-Track Visa Programme
Namdar emphasized that the waiver is part of a broader initiative to expedite visa processing for the World Cup. She stated, "We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament." The US Department of State clarified that ticket holders will still undergo standard visa vetting procedures.
Countries Affected by Visa Bonds
At least five competing nations—Algeria, Cabo Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—had been subject to the visa bond policy. The State Department expects up to 10 million visitors for the event, which begins on June 11 across host cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Immigration Restrictions Spark Debate
According to Al Jazeera, critics argue that the Trump administration's strict immigration policies contradict FIFA President Gianni Infantino's promise of the "most inclusive" World Cup in history. Beyond visa bonds, 39 countries remain subject to travel bans, including competitors Iran and Haiti. The Ivory Coast and Senegal face partial bans.
Rights groups have raised alarms about the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at matches. In April, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International issued a travel advisory warning of a "deteriorating human rights situation in the United States" and "expanded restrictions and limitations on travel and entry." The advisory also cited "violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other discrimination by law enforcement."
A White House spokesperson dismissed these warnings as "ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media."
US Envoy Proposes Another Country to Replace Iran
Legit.ng earlier reported that a senior envoy to US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, according to the Financial Times. The move is reportedly aimed at repairing strained ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after tensions arose over the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV during the Iran war.
